What's Helping?

• American Diabetes Association (ADA) recognized program
• For individuals with Type 1, Type 2, or Gestational Diabetes
• Classes are taught in individual and group settings
• DSMES education is provided in English and Spanish
• Healthy eating, physical activity, and monitoring blood sugar help improve health outcomes and quality of life for Sampson County residents with diabetes.
• Beginning mid-2021, the 3-month follow-up appointment began to be completed via telephone (telehealth). The accessibility and convenience of this telehealth appointment decreased the no-show rate and increased the percentage of participants completing the DSMES program. 
• In 2024, the program changed to one day group classes instead of the two-day class format.

What's Hurting?

• Some diabetics follow-up with their primary provider and may not see the need to participate or follow-up with DSMES education.
• Numerous appointments (at least 3) to complete the DSMES program.
• The DSMES program is offered on weekdays during working hours which may interfere with participants' work schedules. 
• During 2020 and part of 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted public health's focus on COVID-19 response and preventative efforts.
• During the latter part of 2021, our Diabetes Coordinator was on maternity leave which paused the program.
• Prior to the COVID pandemic, DSMES classes were held at a centralized location (Center for Health and Wellness) that seemed to yield higher DSMES group class attendance. During the COVID pandemic, The Center for Health and Wellness permanently closed. In 2022, the Sampson County YMCA opened at the former Center for Health and Wellness location. Efforts in 2023 to collaborate, partner, and again utilize the location for DSMES group classes have been unsuccessful.  
• It was more difficult to reach patients via telephone in 2023 for the 3-month follow-up appointments, which have again displayed a lower percentage of participants completing the program.  
• One drawback to ADA Chronicle Diabetes Program Reports include:
  • Participants may begin the program (initial assessment and class) during one calendar year and complete the program (3-month follow-up) during the following calendar year.

Clinton Medical Clinic

Commwell Health

Goshen Medical Center

Local Healthcare Providers

Sampson Medical Group

• Education/outreach about the DSMES program
• Awareness of the availability of the DSMES program
• Distributing informational packets to Local Healthcare Providers about the DSMES program

Continue eduction/outreach to the general public through flyers, newspaper articles, social media posts (organic and paid), attendance at community events.

Continue education/outreach to local healthcare providers with DSMES program packets that include flyers and referral forms. 

Work with current partners and identify new partners so more residents within the county are aware of this program.