Summary of Q&A Session for DSMES Cohort Program
Below is the summary from the Q&A call we held yesterday for the DSMES Mentorship Cohort Program. Included is a link and password to view the recording of the Q&A session. Reminder, all applications are due by 5:00 pm on August 25, 2025. The link to the application is in the opportunity announcement document, click here, and here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/25_26DSMESApplication
Recording Link
https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/mtp5DQmdX4MZvxlDRRXiHAu8lPKuZ6AI7-P91JICNi_PYJN3O3LBebq3GryAAtJL.WDlgoj_iCy2V1taC
Passcode: 4Aif$pBM
Summary
Diabetes Mentorship Program Launch
The Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida, along with partners including the Florida Department of Health, Florida Diabetes Alliance, WellFlorida, and Big Bend Health Council, launched a new 3-year diabetes self-management education and support mentorship program. The program aims to increase access to diabetes education services in underserved areas by providing mentorship, technical assistance, and up to $4,000 in resource support to 5-8 agencies per cohort. The program will be implemented through monthly technical assistance calls and one-on-one mentor support, with applications being accepted through a SurveyMonkey form.
Statewide Diabetes Education Support Program
The meeting discussed a program to support diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services across the state. Peggy explained that the program will provide resources and mentorship to organizations working towards accreditation or recognition from the American Diabetes Association and the Association for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. She outlined the program’s objectives, which range from building basic services to expanding existing programs, and emphasized the importance of community partnerships. The program will run from September 12th through May 8th, and will prioritize serving rural and underserved communities.
Cohort Program Mentorship and Reporting
The meeting discussed the details of a cohort program running through May 8th, where participants will be paired with mentors to guide them through establishing work plans and achieving program success. Reporting requirements were outlined, including monthly surveys via SurveyMonkey to track progress and compliance with national standards, demographic data collection, and participation in monthly Zoom calls featuring lessons from the Florida Diabetes Alliance. Julia Cooper, the manager of community initiatives, explained the application process through SurveyMonkey, emphasizing the importance of reading the provided documentation to ensure the program aligns with participants’ needs.
DSMES Program Application Overview
Julia explained the application process for the diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) program, emphasizing that only adult-focused programs are eligible. She outlined the scoring criteria and application requirements, including the need for proposed staff if the organization does not currently offer DSMES services. Peggy clarified that county health departments are not eligible for funding but encouraged them to seek technical assistance and other support. The application deadline is August 25, and the program will run until May 8, 2026.
Diabetes Education Program Funding Criteria
The meeting discussed the criteria and funding details for a diabetes education program. An inquiry was made about whether the grant would cover certification exam fees, to which Peggy clarified that it would not, but training for program building could be funded. It was asked about the funding for glucose monitors, and Peggy explained that only educational materials, curricula, training, and accreditation fees would be covered, not clinical items or marketing. The conversation ended with an invitation for written questions and a reminder about the upcoming recording and summary distribution.