Pharmacists invited to attend informational sessions on National Diabetes Prevention Program
Healthy Living for ME is partnering with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention to help pharmacists provide their patients with more resources to prevent diabetes. Data from 2018 indicates that 10 percent of the population of Maine has diabetes and another 8 percent are aware they have prediabetes.
“We are pleased to partner with the Maine CDC to help Maine’s pharmacists learn about the National Diabetes Prevention Program and how it can help their patients. Pharmacists are often an excellent resource for their patients, and we hope the informational sessions we are providing in the coming weeks will help support them in this work,” said Maija Dyke, business & contract manager of Healthy Living for ME.
“Prediabetes and diabetes are major health concerns for many Mainers. This partnership will help us expand Maine’s referral network for diabetes prevention programming and, in doing so, help to improve the health of our state,” said Feargal Semple, the Maine CDC’s diabetes prevention coordinator.
Healthy Living for ME and the Maine CDC’s Diabetes Prevention and Control Program will be offering three informational sessions introducing HL4ME and its resources, including the National Diabetes Prevention Program, and ways in which pharmacists can support the identification and referral of patients into National DPP.
Pharmacists may attend one of three available online sessions:
- Jan. 31, 12-1 p.m.
- Feb. 9, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
- Feb. 10, 4-5 p.m.
During the session, pharmacists will be provided with information on how patients can benefit from the National DPP and other evidence-based programs offered through HL4ME’s statewide network, how to use HL4ME’s online referral program, and strategies for collaboration and involvement for continued diabetes prevention efforts in Maine.
For more information or to register, pharmacists should email [email protected].
The general public is also invited to register for or learn more about the National Diabetes Prevention Program and other free and low-cost workshops offered by Healthy Living for ME by visiting www.healthylivingforme.org, emailing [email protected], or calling 1-800-620-6036.