AMIGOS EN SALUD/FRIENDS IN HEALTH- A SELF-MANAGEMENT DIABETES PROGRAM

Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in Georgia. An estimated 6.8 percent (411,000 people) of adults in Georgia have been diagnosed with diabetes. (CDC, 2006). Diabetes also contributes to higher rates of morbidity—people with diabetes are at higher risk for heart  disease, blindness, kidney failure, extremity amputations, and other chronic conditions. In 2002, based on Census information and the National Health Interview Survey, it was estimated that the direct medical and indirect expenditures attributable to diabetes was $13,243 for people with diabetes and $2,560 for people without diabetes. Direct medical expenditures included inpatient days in the hospital, nursing home care, office visits, medical supplies and medications. Indirect expenditures resulting from lost workdays, restricted activity days, mortality, and permanent disability due to diabetes. In Jan 2006 Pfizer Health Solutions Inc (PHS) and the Community Health Mission Center (CHM) launched a one year pilot diabetes Reduction program to reduce the health disparities prevalent among Savannah’s Hispanic and African American  communities.

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