This product was developed by the Pemiscot County Memorial Hospital s Better Self Management of Diabetes program, with grant support from the

Transcription

1 This product was developed by the Pemiscot County Memorial Hospital s Better Self Management of Diabetes program, with grant support from the Missouri Foundation for Health.

2 Pemiscot Memorial Health Systems Better Self Management of Diabetes Program Serving Pemiscot,Dunklin and New Madrid Counties

3 The Better Self Management of Diabetes Program (BSMOD) has been in operation since December 2006 Currently the BSMOD has served over 200 diabetic patients Providing community education classes, clinical assistance, home visits, outreach, and client advocacy

4 Partnership with UMOS Pemiscot Memorial Health Systems has been partnering with United Migrant Opportunity Service (UMOS) in Kennett, Missouri to educate the Hispanic population regarding diabetic care. UMOS operates the National Farmworker Jobs Program in Missouri committed to their mission as a non-profit advocacy organization, to provide programs and services which improve the employment, education, health and housing opportunities of under-served populations. Outreach services to migrant/seasonal farm workers are provided to rural areas in evenings to identify and address the needs of farming communities. Peach orchards, cotton gins, and other labor intensive field workers are targeted to reach rural populations. Home visits and extended office hours provide access for services. Ninety to Ninety-two percent of the migrant workers in Pemiscot and Dunklin are of Hispanic decent. Seventy percent of the Hispanic population does not have adequate access to health care services. Other obstacles include no transportation, language and cultural barriers, lack of insurance, and low income.

5 UMOS Staff

6 Rural Outreach From June 2008 to the present, the BSMOD has made contact with 42 rural migrant workers by providing health screening, diabetic testing supplies, and behavior modification classes. Testing supplies were given by Life Scan, a Johnson and Johnson Company. Language Interpreters were provided by UMOS. Meetings were scheduled in the evening hours and at the various migrant work sites to accommodate the worker s schedules and transportation problems. During the three health screenings, it was found that three migrant workers had elevated blood glucose, three were known diabetics with no medication, five had high blood pressure with no medication, and one had high blood pressure and was taking medication., Thirty workers needed minor various medical attention such as treatment for bee stings, sunburns, rashes, and doctor referrals. Approximately 25 glucose monitors and strips were given to workers.

7 Barriers and Solutions Barriers Limited access to health care services No transportation Language, cultural and trust barriers Mobile work patterns Difficulty in patient follow-up Conflicting work schedules when scheduling doctor s appointments Possible Solutions Patient Assistance Program Four Dollar Medication List Worksite health screenings Scheduling health screenings to accommodate work schedules Having language interpreters present to help communicate and establish rapport Bilingual pamplets, brochures, cookbooks and other educational materials Partnerships with Pharmacology Representatives and other organizations

8 Conclusion The Better Self Management of Diabetes Project (BSMOD) is currently following up with the migrant workers from the summer health screenings. Counseling and patient support services are available to patients enrolled in the Better Self Management of Diabetes Project. The BSMOD is currently doing extensive community outreach at the Senior Citizens Nutrition Sites in Hayti, Caruthersville and Kennett Missouri. Educational programs and health screenings have been done at Pemiscot Dunklin Electric Coop, and Diabetes Awareness programs are being implemented in schools in Pemiscot, Dunklin and New Madrid Counties. The BSMOD is participating in community events such as the area October Festivals and at the Delta Fair by setting up educational exhibits and performing free blood sugar screenings. The project has been invited to speak to community social and civic groups. The BSMOD has provided health screening and educational programs in the African American population through church, school and community presentations. Patient health monitoring and educational classes are offered daily through the BSMOD office

9 For information, contact Marilyn Jimerson Registered Nurse/Diabetes Educator at or Johnna McCrary, National Certified Counselor at