PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The purpose of the National Medical Association (NMA) Diabetes Education Program is to strengthen the capacity of the Association’s local societies to address the goal of the grant. The project’s aim is to reduce the disproportionate burden of diabetes among African Americans though awareness and education.

In keeping with the grant’s objectives, the main features of the NMA Diabetes Program include conducting outreach about diabetes to the general public, education of diabetes patients, and education of NMA physicians.

The program is implemented through coalitions formed throughout the U.S. Currently there are six coalitions in Atlanta, GA; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Los Angeles, CA; Pine Bluff, AK; and Washington, D.C.  In each city, the local NMA affiliate (society) forms a community coalition composed of public and private partners. Each coalition is comprised of the Auxiliary to the National Medical Association (ANMA), Student National Medical Association (SNMA), state-based diabetes prevention and control programs, local public heath departments, American Diabetes Association (ADA), and historically black colleges and universities (HBCU’s), as well as community-based organizations, faith-based institutions, civic organizations, businesses, health providers, diabetes patients, and other health-related agencies.

Outreach involves a variety of health promotion and marketing strategies. Such activities include screenings at health fairs, community workshops/presentations about diabetes, and distribution of diabetes educational materials at community events. The national office conducts media campaigns to promote National Diabetes Awareness Month.  Physician trainings occur at local, regional, and national NMA conferences.

By mobilizing at the local community level and working together, a difference can be made

For a PDF fact sheet describing the NMA Diabetes Education Program,
click here