Diabetes in Control Program Merits National Recognition

Weirton Medical Center’s Diabetes in Control program was recently awarded the prestigious American Diabetes Association (ADA) Education Recognition Certificate for a quality diabetes self-management education program. The program was originally recognized in May 2003. ADA believes that Diabetes in Control offers high quality education that is an essential component of effective diabetes treatment.

The association’s Education Recognition Certificate assures that educational programs meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs. These standards were developed and tested under the auspices of the National Diabetes Advisory Board in 1983 and revised by the diabetes community in 1994 and 2000.

Programs apply for recognition voluntarily. Programs that achieve recognition status have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide participants with comprehensive information about diabetes management.

“The process gives professionals a national standard by which to measure the quality of services they provide,” said Jennifer Springer, R.N., B.S.N., C.D.E., coordinator of Weirton Medical Center’s Diabetes in Control program. “It also assures the patient that he or she will receive high-quality service,” she said.

Dr. Joseph P. Endrich, president and chief executive officer of Weirton Medical Center, said that “We are very pleased to receive this national recognition for our Diabetes in Control program. Since our region has a high incidence of diabetes, it is vital that local residents have access to a quality diabetes education and self-management program.”

The ADA is the nation’s leading non-profit health organization supporting diabetes research, advocacy and information for health professionals, patients and the public.

Weirton Medical Center’s Diabetes in Control program, launched in 1996, provides outpatient education and self-management services through individual assessments and training as well as group classes. For more information about Diabetes in Control, call 304-797-6190 or 304-797-6054.