Community Partnerships for Diabetes Management in Rural West Virginia

Abstract

Background: West Virginia has the second highest prevalence of diabetes in the United States. Rural, distressed counties in the state have a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes compared to non-distressed counties. Preventing and controlling diabetes, as well as other chronic conditions, requires both medical and behavioral interventions. In this article we present a model for mobilizing diabetes coalitions comprised of community-based organizations to help people adopt healthy behaviors that compliment medical care. We report on diabetes coalitions in Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, and Wyoming counties in West Virginia in 2015. Methods: The coalitions in each county received $5,000 to sponsor evidence-based programs. Our team at Marshall led planning workshops, provided ongoing technical assistance, and conducted leadership training. Coalitions entered participation data quarterly on an online database. Results: In 2015, 1,535 people completed physical activity programs, 598 completed self-management skills training and 308 monitored their blood pressure on a weekly basis. The coalitions surpassed their goal for physical activity by 330%, and blood pressure monitoring by 118%. The goal for skills training fell short by 21%. Conclusion: It is possible to mobilize relatively large numbers of people in rural counties to engage in health behaviors. Physicians do not have to rely solely on the office visit to encourage patients to be active, they can partner with community-based organizations to do so.