Adams-Brown Diabetes Education Coalition Community Health Workers: Barriers and Difficulties
Clinic open to the public Collaboration between the local hospital and the school district. Patients are seen by Nurse Practitioner Community Oriented in a rural part of the community.
Still in the planning phase Committee developed a tentative job description and requirements for employment. A process that takes two steps forward and one step backwards.
Key Functions: A. Assist/consult in applying diabetes management plans in daily life Practice and refine skills (shopping, cooking, exercise, problem solving, etc.) Monitor and revise action plans B. Social and emotional support Availability to talk and listen Nondirective support Monitoring and revision of healthy coping Encourage and follow-up re: counseling, specialty care
C. Linkage to clinical care Follow-up on attending regular care Identify needs for care and facilitate/promote care Community activities to enhance resources Ongoing support, extended over time Proactive contact at least monthly Flexible availability to talk, meet within set hours to meet the needs of the community served, including individuals and groups
Is a lay person (is not a health professional) Must pass a background check Resides in Adams County Has either a high school diploma or GED Has a valid driver’s license and proof of motor vehicle insurance Has basic computer skills
Is someone living with Type 2 diabetes OR is living with someone else who is living with Type 2 diabetes (preferable, but not required) Has literacy level of at least eighth grade Has good verbal and written communication skills Has a reliable means of transportation Has a willingness to perform duties at the center and in the home setting Must complete the training required to perform expected duties
Working through barriers and difficulties that have arisen. Possible change in venue. Working toward having the school district be the primary partner in the program.