Diabetes Center of Excellence (DCOE)

The Diabetes Center of Excellence (DCOE) is a innovative, comprehensive service center delivering educational community-based services to persons committed to learning how to prevent or control Diabetes. Our niche is focused on helping all populations, especially those most vulnerable with pre-diabetes, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses prevent and/or manage the disease and its related complications by providing culturally sensitive and relevant education, community resources, and support.

The DCOE strives to advance health equity and address the social determinants of health by providing culturally sensitive programs and services in the community and partnering with community stakeholders to improve health outcomes for vulnerable and minority populations.

Our Approach

Our customized approach to delivering culturally and linguistically appropriate training includes:

Community-based locations in general public ADA easily accessible sites
Engaging and interactive instructors experienced in teaching classes with low literacy participants
Participatory sessions to enhance retention
Offered in multiple languages with multi-disciplinary team with bilingual community health workers
Coordination with referring providers to ensure continuity in the care plan
Assessment of social determinants of health through HCDI ‘s Caring For Your Health Tool SDoH e-tool
Application of evidence/based patient engagement strategies such as motivational interviewing, teach back
Special sessions with Ophthalmologist, Optometrist and Podiatrist
Community based events and activities to promote and spread healthy behaviors

All participants will be encouraged to:

Schedule and have their annual wellness visits
Annual eye exams
Annual foot exams
Adhere to their care plan established by primary care provider
Take their medication regularly
Keep regular follow up visits

Our Initiatives

Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)
A year-long program to help people at risk of developing diabetes or have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes make diet, behavioral, and lifestyle changes in order to lose weight and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
Diabetes Self-Management Education
A six-week program to help individuals with diabetes properly manage the disease and prevent or delay complications.

*Registration for this program is anticipated to begin in 4/2020.
Chronic Disease Management
A six-week group program designed to help participants take a proactive approach to manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and arthritis in order to improve health outcomes and quality of life.

*Registration for this program is anticipated to begin in 4/2020.