Community Health Coaches Help People With Diabetes

Publication Date:

Publisher:

Author(s): Diabetes Initiative

Research Area: Health

Type: Report

Abstract:

The Galveston County Health District (GCHD) is the administrative agency for the Building Community Supports for Diabetes Care project in Galveston County, Texas. It manages a variety of community programs, administers a federally qualified community health center and also serves as the local health department. GCHD's Community Health Coach Program trains diabetes patients to serve as volunteer health coaches to help other diabetes patients successfully manage their disease. The project provides community-based self-management classes and support groups that instill positive reinforcement and sharing.
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Volunteer coaches teach Take Action self-management classes such as Whisking Your Way to Health, a cooking and nutrition class, and facilitate diabetes support groups in the community. GCHD coaches have diabetes and have learned to manage their disease well. They feel empowered to make a difference for others struggling with diabetes management. Coaches include former class participants, interested community members, community and parish nurses, health education center staff, local pharmacists, and medical and nursing students.
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Coaches are equipped with a manual, a PowerPoint presentation and a tool box with hands-on learning materials. They are trained and supported by GCHD staff who help schedule classes, deliver supplies and certificates, and maintain ongoing follow-up and support.
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GCHD credits the success of Take Action and its other activities to the more than 50 volunteer coaches who have helped the project reach many areas of the county.
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Key Accomplishments:
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* Developed a diabetes self-management curriculum and coach training materials
* Successfully recruited and trained more than 50 community health coaches
* Achieved widespread reach of Take Action classes through the network of coaches
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Key Lessons:
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* Engaging those with diabetes as volunteer disease management coaches and maintaining a network of community partners (e.g., pharmacies, hospital clinics, senior citizen centers and faith-based institutions) helps maximize the reach to others with diabetes.
* Organized collaborative efforts are important to maintaining project promotion, trainings and activities.