NACHW and the American Diabetes Association: Collaborating in the Community
The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) and the NACHW are partnering to amplify the work of CHWs nationwide. This united front aims to position CHWs as equity leaders, community partners, and skilled health workers who can help to increase access to diabetes education and management for under resourced communities.
The ADA’s mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. CHWs can play a critical role on the diabetes care team by:
- Using cultural knowledge to support individuals in diabetes management
- Assisting in the delivery of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services, particularly in underserved communities
- Improving the management of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors in underserved communities through cost-effective, evidence-based strategies
- Providing social and preventive services to underserved populations in rural and hard-to-reach communities through outreach and communication, advocacy, social support, basic health education, referrals to community clinics, and more.
Together, we will work to reach communities at risk of or living with diabetes.
Through this partnership, the ADA and NACHW are committed to supporting frontline CHWs to best serve their communities by fostering a deeper understanding of diabetes. Our collective efforts will raise diabetes awareness and ensure resources and assistance are available in communities with the greatest needs.
Explore these opportunities and join us to make a difference in your community.
The CHW Diabetes Program
To help increase your knowledge and understanding of diabetes, the ADA has developed the CHW Diabetes Program, equipped with four 15-minute interactive modules—Diabetes 101, Gestational Diabetes (GDM), Diabetes and Mental Health, and Type 2 in Youth. This self-paced program will empower you to provide guidance to those in your community at risk for or living with diabetes. Get started for free today and earn one continuing education (CE) credit!
Focus on Diabetes
The ADA’s initiative, Focus on Diabetes® (FOD), increases awareness about diabetes and eye health amongst health care professionals, health educators and those at risk for or living with diabetes. FOD supports health care providers in educating the people they see on the importance of annual comprehensive eye exams and the role they play in the early detection, intervention, and prevention of eye disease and vision loss caused by diabetes. Learn more about this initiative.
-Why you should schedule your annual Dilated Eye Exam
-Por qué debe programar su examen anual de la vista con dilatación de las pupilas
As part of FOD, the ADA and NACHW partnered to create a training for CHWs on eye health and how it relates to diabetes.
NACHW Toolkit and Training for Focus on Diabetes
Kit de herramientas y capacitación de NACHW para Enfoque en Diabetes
American Diabetes Association Joint Webinars!
In 2022, the ADA and NACHW collaborated to host two webinars providing valuable information on diabetes management, healthy eating, physical activity, and the importance of maintaining long-term eye health.
On August 30th, 2022 NACHW and the American Diabetes Association held a Roundtable for Community Health Workers Working to Prevent and Manage Diabetes and Eye Health. Watch the recording above for more information on managing, diet, exercise, and long-term eye health.
Important Resources from the ADA:
Explore resources helpful for CHWs, including the ADA’s new CHW professional membership category, perfect for community health representatives, peer health educators, and other frontline public health workers who help to support people with and at risk for diabetes.
CHWs can also use and share great resources from the ADA with their communities, such as the 60-Second Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test, diabetes and eye health information, and the monthly Ask the Experts Q&A series—a safe space to ask diabetes experts questions on issues commonly faced by people living with diabetes and their caregivers.
