Overview
NACDD, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other leaders in diabetes program, developed and launched State Specialist workforce training and development programs for state diabetes staff. The trainings equip state diabetes staff to become specialists in providing technical assistance and support to program providers working to expand access to and participation in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) lifestyle change program and diabetes self-management education and support service (DSMES).
The National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) lifestyle change program and diabetes self-management education and support services (DSMES) are effective in preventing type 2 diabetes and managing diabetes, respectively. Evidence suggests that improving access to and participation in these programs can help decrease type 2 diabetes risk and improve diabetes-related outcomes, including among communities disproportionately impacted by diabetes.
Currently, NACDD provides training for National DPP State Quality Specialists (Prevention Specialists) and DSMES State Specialists (Management Specialists).
Project Outcomes
Since the launch of the state specialist programs in 2021, 40 states have at least one trained diabetes state specialist. Evaluation findings suggest that 80% of specialists perceived that the quality of their technical assistance improved due to the training and network participation. Specialists indicated that additionally the program has increased knowledge, skills, confidence, and expanded professional networks.
Valued Partners
We partner with CDC, the American Diabetes Association, the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists, and the Emory University Diabetes Training and Technical Assistance Center in this work. Our partners are dedicated to equipping Specialists with the knowledge and skills they need to provide comprehensive and accurate technical assistance within their states and communities.
The Diabetes State Specialist Awareness Toolkit provides resources for State Specialists to create awareness of how they can support diabetes prevention and management programs in their efforts to expand access and availability to the National DPP and DSMES services in your state.