How Beebe Takes Education, Support, and Resources in the Fight Against Diabetes to the Community

Beebe Healthcare is dedicated to serving the people who live in, work in, and visit Sussex County, in ways that go beyond “traditional healthcare.” This is evident through the organization’s commitment to providing education, support, and resources for those who are at risk for, or who have been diagnosed with, diabetes.

Beebe’s commitment to the health and well-being of Sussex County is reflected in its investment in free programs that benefit the entire community. These initiatives are made possible through the generous support of our donors and local partners, and Beebe truly believes in the positive impact it makes on the health of a community.

Facilitating the National Diabetes Prevention Program

Beebe launched its first National Diabetes Prevention Program in Millsboro in June 2023. This program includes a CDC approved curriculum with handouts, lessons, tracking tools, and other resources helpful in making healthy behavior changes. Beebe has four trained lifestyle coaches and continues to meet the needs by providing the program to our team members and community, in-person and virtually.

Six-week self-management workshops on chronic disease and chronic pain

Self-management workshops are offered throughout the county with our team of trained lay leaders and community partners. They are open to adults who have or care for someone living with a chronic disease, chronic pain, or diabetes. Self-management programs are highly interactive, and evidence based. Participants learn how to live better by managing your disease. They are conducted in small groups for 2½ hour weekly sessions over six weeks.

Assuring the Availability of Healthy, Wholesome Food

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is key to avoiding and managing diabetes. For some, this is easier said than done. There has been an increased demand for food assistance programs across Sussex County, which play a critical role in combating hunger.

Our Monthly Food Pantry Program provides nutritional and supplemental support for people who face food insecurity and are challenged when it comes to putting healthy food on the table. Over the past year, Beebe’s Community Outreach team has provided fresh food and pantry items for over 65 families in need, each month. This program is possible through collaboration with many community partners, including the Food Bank of Delaware, Epworth United Methodist Church, and the Seaside Jewish Community Center.

The Food Prescription Program supports people who reside in underserved areas. Those who meet the program’s enrollment requirements receive healthy, wholesome foods: lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and assorted heart-healthy pantry items. Groceries are delivered on a weekly basis, for a period of six months. Participants also take part in a series of Chronic Disease Self-Management courses, led by a registered dietitian, which shows how nutritional and lifestyle changes can improve their chronic condition. Additionally, they are invited to partake in culinary classes, taught by a local chef.

Recently, 20 community members completed the program's self-management workshop taught by our team and lay leaders. Efforts underway to enroll a second group! This initiative is funded by the Merck Foundation and in partnership with the Delaware Food Bank, First State Community Action Agency, and local public libraries.

Increasing Our Presence in the Community

For many years, Beebe’s Community Outreach team has been organizing health fairs across Sussex County, creating a platform to bring free health screenings, education, resources, and partners together. These events give people an opportunity to learn more about the steps they can take to improve their health and prevent disease and educate participants on topics such as obesity, nutrition, and stroke awareness. This opens doors for people to ask questions and gain insights from medical professionals.

Beebe participates in over 100 events each year organized by local agencies. Many of these events provide free blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol screenings.

Promoting Screenings Available Through Our Mobile Outreach Program

In 2023, Beebe launched its Mobile Outreach Program, which integrates behavioral health, medical care, and social care. It brings a multidisciplinary team of care providers out into the community with a goal to address a myriad of healthcare issues, including prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Blood glucose screenings and hemoglobin A1c point-of-care testing are available to help diagnose or manage diabetes.

Because of Beebe’s commitment to the health of Sussex County, these free programs are an investment that Beebe truly believes benefits the community. It could not be done without the support of our donors and local partners.

Collectively, these programs showcase the many steps Beebe is taking to build a healthier community, through diabetes awareness, education, and support. Please call 302-645-3337 for more information on any of these programs.

Kim Blanch, BSN, RN, is the Director of Community Outreach at Beebe Healthcare. Contributing to this article are Stacie Gosting, BSN, RN, is the Community Service Manager and Angie Scott, Angela Scott BSN, RN, Community Health Coordinator/Mobile Health Clinic Coordinator at Beebe Healthcare.