First class of lifestyle coaches trained at UVA’s VCDPE in December 2016.
The Virginia Center for Diabetes Prevention and Education (VCDPE) has been a consultant for and developer of unique diabetes patient education programs in central Virginia and throughout the state since 1987. Affiliated with UVA’s Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the VCDPE’s professional education programs also benefit healthcare providers throughout the Commonwealth.
Joyce Green Pastors, VCDPE director
Over the past year, the VCDPE, led by director Joyce Green Pastors, RD, MS, CDE, has been on the leading edge of diabetes prevention initiatives in Virginia. In early 2016, it subcontracted with the Virginia Department of Health to develop a strategic plan for diabetes prevention in the state, and conducted interviews with health plan providers, healthcare organizations, insurers, health districts, and others to assess current diabetes prevention efforts. The strategic plan, “Preventing Diabetes in Virginia“, has been completed and is now available on the VCDPE’s website, at https://med.virginia.edu/vcdpe/diabetes-prevention-programs/.
Viola Holmes, VCDPE education and outreach manager
Medicare will begin providing funding for diabetes prevention programs in January 2018; as a result many organizations are preparing to offer the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) as a reimbursable service. VCDPE program staff completed the CDC training program to become diabetes lifestyle coaches, and are now qualified to train others in turn. The VCDPE is offering the NDPP to UVA employees in Wise, delivered via teleconferencing, and will offer lifestyle coach training courses in selected regions in Virginia throughout 2017. Additionally, the VCDPE has applied for, and expects to receive, recognition as a CDC National Diabetes Prevention Program site.
Alexa Painter, VCDPE education and outreach coordinator
For more information about the VCDPE or its programs, contact its education and outreach manager, Viola Holmes, at 434-982-0173, or visit its website at https://med.virginia.edu/vcdpe/.
Filed Under: News and Notes
Tags: Endocrinology