Role of CHW in Improving Health Outcomes: A Community Model for Diabetes Education and Management

Diabetes is one of the five most chronic conditions that are prevalent in Prince George’s County, Maryland.  A community outreach program that provides education for self-management, encourages screenings for diabetes, provides resources for the uninsured, and offers the support of a trusted source to guide residents through effective care will reduce the health care expenditures for preventable ED visits and hospitals admissions. The Prince George’s County Health Department, in partnership with Doctor’s Community Hospital (DCH), is providing free diabetes education to county residents .The “On the Road” classes provide residents with access to accurate and actionable health information, delivers person centered health information, and supports lifelong learning and skills to promote good health---all of the components of the National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy.  The class is free and offered in the communities where our residents live, work, and play, including faith based organizations, community centers, and health clinics. The success of our “On the Road” program can be attributed to a successful collaborative partnership with a hospital; use of an evidence based diabetes curriculum; and integration of community health workers who provide the much need care coordination. Community Health Workers, a trusted para- professional, also serve the critical role of recruiting and following up with residents to ensure participation in the classes. Data are collected from each participant and A1c screenings are provided and tracked.  Participants are linked to care as appropriate. A CHW, who also assisted in developing this abstract, will share first hand experience in implementing this model.