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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Marivel Davila, BA, MPH (abt) and Lucille L. Romero, RN, BSN. Nursing Division, San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, 332 W. Commerce, Third Floor, San Antonio, TX 78205, 210-212-2286, lorrainer@sanantonio.gov

Families Preventing Diabetes is a collaborative intervention project utilizing the partnership of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD), the Texas Diabetes Institute (TDI), and the House of Neighborly Service (HNS), a community-based neighborhood center. The goal of the project was to develop a model for provision of diabetes education to families living in a neighborhood with a high prevalence of diabetes.

Objectives 1) Recruit and instruct 50 families who were diabetic and/or had a family member at-risk for developing diabetes; 2) Modify a curriculum for diabetic self-management and prevention classes that would meet the needs of community; 3) Develop and implement a “promotora” (community lay health worker), program to assist in the delivery of curricula; 4) Utilize promotoras and program model for sustainability of project.

Scope of Work Recruitment for the project and activities took place at the HNS. SAMHD served as nexus for project by ensuring performance measures were met via meetings to discuss progress, potential barriers, and changes necessary to ensure success.

Results 1) Qualitative research conducted prior to implementation of program; 2) Recruitment of 52 participants; 3) Provision of 8 classes; 4) Development of tailored curriculum addressing self-management and prevention of diabetes; 5) Recruitment and training of three promotoras.

Lessons Learned Learning to listen prior to designing any community intervention is never overstated.

Conclusions The issues in front of public health to assist our communities in developing healthy lifestyles will require creativity, collaboration, political will, and the ability to adapt to new settings.

Learning Objectives: