Diabetes Management Takes A Team

During the 2014-2015 service year, I had the privilege of serving as the Diabetes Quality Improvement Coordinator at UPMC Shadyside Family Health Center.    It was a tremendous year of growth, achievement, and reflection.

Wear Red Day: Education Outreach about Heart Disease

On September 12, 2014, I pledged to “get things done” as an AmeriCorps member.  Since then, AmeriCorps and my host site empowered me to do my best and to think outside of the box to address health disparities.  They allowed me to tackle some critical health issues and start new patient-centered programs and initiatives.

Wear Red Day: Education Outreach about Heart Disease

At my site, I had the opportunity to be involved in diabetes education from a variety of avenues.  Though 1-on-1 diabetes education, I provided individualized care to patients, which allowed me to help them overcome barriers specific to each of their own cases.  In another role, facilitating and leading monthly diabetes group visits, I came to know a group of wonderful and kind patients.  It was a great pleasure to learn from them and understand how they have managed their diabetes so far.  Finally, I engaged in chronic disease education outreach throughout the year.  I organized, for example, a Wear Red Day celebration to spread important information about heart disease.

Wear Red Day: Education Outreach about Heart Disease

My mentors and my host site were very supportive of new initiatives to care for patients.  We revolutionized our system that provides reminders to physicians about patients with chronic care conditions.  I also increased educational resources by creating a new program for uninsured patients with diabetes and by increasing use of educational videos.  Lastly, we started a new project to increase attention on patients with the most uncontrolled cases of diabetes.  It was a phenomenal experience to be at the forefront of innovation in diabetes care.

Wear Red Day: Education Outreach about Heart Disease

Outside of my host site, AmeriCorps encouraged me to find other ways to get involved in my community.  I was fortunate to volunteer with the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council; I have never met an organization so dedicated to meeting the needs of its members.  I tutor an adult student for the GED, and she is one of the most inspiring, dedicated, and driven individuals I know.

Wear Red Day: Education Outreach about Heart Disease

In a nutshell, Pittsburgh Health Corps gave me the opportunity to expand my understanding of chronic diseases, develop greater skills in working with patients, and contribute to the care of over 700 diabetes patients at my site.  As I continue on to the next stage of my life, I will bring with me the tremendous support of my mentors, new skills, and a dedication to service and working with my community.  I hope to continue to “get things done.”