The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #63650

Kelly Moore, MD¹, S. Lorraine Valdez, RN, CDE¹, Tammy Brown, MPH, RD, CDE¹, Yvette Roubideaux, MD, MPH², Cheryl A. Wilson¹, Susan Gilliland, PhD, RN¹, and Kelly J. Acton, MD, MPH¹. (1) National Headquarters Diabetes Program, Indian Health Service, 5300 Homestead Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, 5052484182, kelly.moore2@mail.ihs.gov, (2) College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1601 N. Tucson Blvd, Suite 23A, Tucson, AZ 85716

Background: In 1997 Congress provided $150 million over 5 years to IHS for establishment of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) grant program focused on “prevention and treatment of diabetes.” IHS was instructed to evaluate the program and provide reports to Congress. In December 2000 Congress passed additional legislation authorizing supplemental funding ($240 million) of SDPI through 2003. Methods: The IHS National Diabetes Program applied a framework for program evaluation in public health developed by the CDC. Grant funds were allocated to local programs, tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations. Short-term, intermediate and long-term outcomes were included in evaluation. Results: As a result of the SDPI grants, programs have incorporated traditional approaches and practices into their diabetes programs. These programs are known to support and influence positive diabetes self-management behaviors, including · story-telling (34%), · talking circles (35%), · use of traditional herbs or medicines (28%). The SDPI funds have allowed tribes to address diabetes prevention at the local tribal community level. · 89% of programs now solicit and receive feedback from their local communities on diabetes goals and priorities, then use this information to design diabetes care programs. · 53% developed community walking programs · 42% created diabetes awareness programs for high risk family members of people with diabetes Conclusion: Incorporation of traditional approaches and practices within diabetes programs occurred. New diabetes care networks and partnerships formed within and between tribal communities. Together they are learning and sharing diabetes prevention strategies that work in AI/AN communities.

Learning Objectives:

• Learning objectives -
• As a result of this session the learner will be able to:
• 1. Describe the traditional approaches and practices that have been incorporated into diabetes programs through the Special Diabetes Program for Indians.
• 2. List 3 tribal community diabetes prevention activities that have resulted from implementation of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians

Keywords: Diabetes, Community-Based Public Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Indian Health Service, USPHS
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.