Outreach and Community Education

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About Diabetes Foundation, Inc.

Location:

13 Sunflower Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652, US

Mission Statement

Dedicated to improving the care and quality of life for people with diabetes.

Description

We provide the following services:

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: DFI provides diabetes medications and supplies to uninsured and underinsured low income individuals with diabetes, assuring that they are able to manage their disease while they secure permanent assistance from other sources. Bridging this gap and allowing patients to be compliant with their medications helps them avoid many of the complications associated with diabetes. DFI is the only agency in New Jersey providing short-term medical assistance to diabetics in need.

PATIENT SUPPORT SERVICES: DFI staff, student interns, and trained volunteers personally connect with patients and family members to provide information, resources, and reassurance. Our patients are not alone in the complicated process of securing a more permanent solution to their medication needs. It is our experience that follow-up with patients receiving our assistance is the critical key to ensuring they obtain long-term assistance before their medications run out.

DIABETES PUBLIC EDUCATION: DFI provides current information on diabetes and its complications, helping patients and at-risk individuals understand how to achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Free education programs are held all throughout the state. They are facilitated by licensed healthcare professionals and address important topics such as prevention, nutrition, diet and exercise, depression, and disease management.

CAMP NEJEDA PROGRAM: DFI provides funding to send children from low income families residing in the tri-state area to Camp Nejeda, a co-ed diabetes camp in Sussex County, New Jersey. Campers spend time with peers, enjoy recreation and leisure activities and learn how to take care of their diabetes. Camp has a positive and long lasting impact on their lives. The camping experience provides them with a few weeks of not feeling "different."

DIABETES COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION PROGRAM (D-COEP): D-COEP is our latest initiative for people with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Its goal is to improve adherence to diet and exercise guidelines and diabetes medication self-management, thereby preventing hospitalizations and other health conditions that arise as complications of diabetes. D-COEP is a year-long program consisting of monthly, two-hour group classes on healthy cooking, exercise, and self-management strategies, facilitated by certified diabetes educators, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers. Participants are generally uninsured or underinsured low income individuals who do not have access to other diabetes education programs.

There is a tremendous need for DFI services. Nearly one million people in New Jersey are currently diagnosed with diabetes, a staggering number. Over the last twenty years, DFI has provided medical assistance to more than 8,500 New Jersey residents; offered free monthly education programs to more than 10,000 people; expanded education programs to many new, underserved communities; and provided funding for over 700 children to attend Camp Nejeda.