County Department of Health and Human Services Seeks Members for Newly Formed Diabetes Prevention Group; ‘Unite 2 Integrate Diabetes Coalition’ Aims to Improve Chronic Disease Outcomes in Vulnerable Groups

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 1, 2022

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS), Public Health Services’ Chronic Disease Working Group invites public health professionals, health care providers, social service providers, and other professionals to join the recently launched “Unite 2 Integrate Diabetes Coalition” (U2IDC) to network and 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. to 12:30 p.m.

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 Montgomery 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. Montgomery 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; and males had higher mortality than females.

Through a collaborative effort, resources are provided on planning, implementation, and evaluation programming in Montgomery 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 are 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.

Working with partners and their communities, the mission of DHHS’ public health services is to promote and ensure the health and safety of Montgomery County residents. Health surveillance data demonstrates that as a community, continued collaboration across many groups will improve Type 2 diabetes outcomes among the most vulnerable residents. 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.

For more information about U2IDC, visit the Healthy Montgomery website. Interested individuals and organizations should complete the partner interest form at Let’s Stop Diabetes Together! If you have additional questions, call Felicia Hugee at 240-777-4369.

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Release ID: 22-079
Media Contact: Felicia Hugee 240-777-4369
Categories: Health