The Power to Control Diabetes Is in Your Hands Community Outreach Kit

Introduction to The Power to Control Diabetes Is in Your Hands Community Outreach Kit

Questions to Consider

After you have reviewed the kit, think about your own individual community and the strengths of your organization and the community as a whole:

• Identify your target audience. How is your community represented? Are there groups of African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian American, or Pacific Islander older adults living with diabetes in your community? If so, consider focusing some elements of your promotional activities on these specific community members.
• Identify needs. What are the specific health needs of your community? Do you have a large population of older adults with diabetes?
• Identify existing programs. Are there existing diabetes programs in place in your community? If so, how can you work with these programs?
• Identify existing resources. What organizational resources can you utilize? Are there experienced public speakers in your group? Perhaps a health care professional could speak to a group of older adults about diabetes and distribute NDEP materials. Does your organization have a newsletter, email listserv, website, or contribute to a professional journal? If so, distribute NDEP’s feature articles to stress the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing diabetes.
• Evaluate your community. Are there other organizations, businesses, or groups that you can partner with to address diabetes and related issues? Are there pharmacies or nearby libraries that could sponsor a workshop with a diabetes educator, dietitian, or nurse? A diabetes educator provides the tools, training, and support necessary to help people with diabetes change their behavior and accomplish their diabetes self-management goals. To find a diabetes educator in your community, contact the American Association of Diabetes Educators.
• Evaluate your organization. Does your organization have monthly events? If so, use the “Sample Diabetes Awareness Promotion Activities”section to pick a monthly activity and incorporate Power to Control messages and activities.