FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Brandi B. Pouncey, MS
(334) 206-5893
[email protected]
According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the overall prevalence of diabetes in 2014 was 12.9 percent, affecting approximately 627,000 Alabamians. In 2013, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in the state. Alabama is among the five states with the highest prevalence of diabetes in the nation.
In order to help individuals suffering from diabetes, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is accepting Requests for Proposals (RFP) for mini-grants designed to increase access to quality diabetes self-management education (DSME) services for Alabamians with diabetes.
DSME improves diabetes outcomes, including helping to reduce A1C, avoiding diabetes-related complications, improving lifestyle behaviors (such as eating a more healthful diet and exercising more frequently) and decreasing depression. Studies have shown it to be cost effective by reducing hospital admissions and readmissions and long-term complications.
“DSME services are proven to help people living with diabetes control their risk for complications and thereby improving their overall quality of life,” said ADPH’s Brandi Pouncey. “These grants will enable the awardees to directly impact the lives of many suffering from diabetes.”
There are three different levels of funding for eligible applicants: accredited/recognized DSME programs to establish one or more DSME satellite sites; non-accredited/non-recognized DSME programs to obtain certification; and organizations that do not currently have a DSME program and want to start one that meets national standards for DSME. Eligible applicants include but are not limited to the following: hospitals, pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, local health departments, area health education centers, rural health clinics and senior centers. Those applying for the mini-grants must meet some eligibility requirements.
The total amount awarded will be $100,000, with a possible grant ceiling of up to $20,000 per grantee. Completed applications are due by Friday, May 27, and awards will be announced on Monday, June 20.
An electronic copy of the RFP can be found on the ADPH website at www.adph.org/diabetes. For more information, questions or a copy of the RFP, contact Brandi Pouncey, MS, at (334) 206-5893, email [email protected], address: Bureau of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease, RSA Tower, 201 Monroe St., Suite 984A, Montgomery, Ala. 36104.