The Public Health Services’ Chronic Disease Working Group of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking public health professionals, health care providers, social service providers and other professionals to join the recently launched “Unite 2 Integrate Diabetes Coalition” (U2IDC). The group will aim to learn from each other about strategies to improve Type 2 diabetes outcomes for underserved and vulnerable community residents.
The coalition’s first meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, Feb.17, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Interested individuals and organizations should complete the partner interest form at Let’s Stop Diabetes Together!
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Montgomery County has the third-highest diabetes disease burden in Maryland with an estimated 60,000 residents with diabetes (5.7 percent of County population). In a recent report (Health in Montgomery, 2010-2019: A Surveillance Report on Population Health), diabetes-related emergency room (ER) visit rates in the County increased over time, like diabetes ER visit rates in Maryland.
Among population subgroups, Non-Hispanic Black residents had the highest diabetes-related ER visit rates, followed by Hispanic, Non-Hispanic White and Asian/Pacific Islander. Males have higher rates compared with females.
Diabetes-related ER visit rates increased by age: persons aged 65 and older had the highest rates. County residents aged 65 and older had the highest diabetes mortality, followed by those aged 35-64. Non-Hispanic-Blacks had the highest diabetes mortality when compared with other population subgroups. Males had higher mortality than females.
Through a collaborative effort, resources are provided on planning, implementation and evaluation programming in the County. The coalition will focus on assessing needs, raising awareness of the burden of chronic diseases and promoting uptake of prevention, education and promotion efforts.
The goals and objectives of the group will be to improve chronic disease outcomes in vulnerable populations. Partners may include representatives from clinical care settings, government agencies, community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, and academic and research institutions.
For more information about U2IDC, visit the Healthy Montgomery website.
Additional questions about the initiative can be directed to Felicia Hugee at 240-777-4490.
