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In 2016, North Florida Medical Centers was awarded a grant through the Big Bend Health Council and the Department of Health to work toward building a Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) program. The goal was to apply for and achieve DSMES accreditation. The process seemed daunting, incredibly challenging, and insurmountable. Fortunately, the grant funding and contract included a very crucial step for grantees to be successful, and that was providing a mentor. The mentor, Kathy Mulcahy, provided technical assistance and expertise to help us be successful to build the program. The mentor was available when needed via phone, email and even came onsite for a mock visit.
Without this technical assistance, the process would have been impossible. Since accreditation, many patients with diabetes have learned how to self-manage their care and improve their health outcomes. One patient was able to have her much needed cataract surgery after successfully improving her A1C. The surgeon would not operate until she improved. After surgery, her vision improved, and she was able to see her diabetes educator for the first time. This outcome was what we all were seeking. To this day, we are grateful for this opportunity to continue to assist patients.
Norrie Chumley, RN, BSN
Clinical Services Director
North Florida Medical Centers, Inc. -
“Having a DSMES Mentor to advise in the development of a DSMES program in preparation of submitting application for DSMES program accreditation is phenomenal! The DSMES Mentor provides enormous guidance throughout the entire process of program development, valuable program knowledge, experience and support, mentee growth in understanding the implementation of a DSMES program, and a valued professional relationship beyond the mentorship.”
Ronald Lund RD, LD/N
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, DSMES Quality Coordinator
Central Florida Health Care -
“Anyone that will be applying for DSMES accreditation needs this mentorship service! Kathy Mulcahy is an amazing mentor. She made sure we had all the correct and updated information/documents we needed to apply for ADCES accreditation. The application and interview process went seamlessly and stress free due to the high-quality mentorship. I’m immensely grateful to have had this mentorship service. Thank you for everything! “
Alana Shawah RD, LD/N, CLC
Health Education Program Manager
Florida Department of Health – Flagler