The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is inviting health professionals to join a newly-formed diabetes prevention group.
The Public Health Service’ Chronic Disease Group recently launched “Unite 2 Integrate Diabetes Coalition” (U2IDC) with the purpose of networking and improving Type 2 diabetes in underserved communities.
Montgomery County has the third-highest diabetes disease burden in Maryland, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 5.7 percent of the county population or about 60,000 residents have diabetes.
A recent report (Health in Montgomery, 2010-201: A Surveillance Report on Population Health) revealed the following findings:
- Non-Hispanic Black residents had the highest diabetes-related ER visit rates, followed by Hispanic, Non-Hispanic White, and Asian/Pacific Islander
- Non-Hispanic Blacks had the highest diabetes mortality in comparison to other population subgroups
“Health surveillance data demonstrates that as a community, continued collaboration across many groups will improve Type 2 diabetes outcomes among the most vulnerable residents,” according to a press release. “The U2IDC will promote healthcare equity, quality, and accessibility by bringing together internal and external partners to share and utilize information to prevent chronic diseases, illnesses, injuries and impairments through evidence-based health promotion programs and services, research and technical assistance.”
The coalition’s first meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, Feb. 17 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Interested individuals or organizations can complete a partner interest form here. For additional information about the prevention group you can visit the Healthy Montgomery website.
