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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

Link to PowerPoint here

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.

Notice of Upcoming Board of Directors Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida, Inc. will hold its meeting on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at the Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida, Inc. office located at 12220 Towne Lake Dr. Suite 1 Fort Myers, FL 33913. 

diabetes

Opportunity Alert! Join the DSMES Mentorship Cohort and Transform Diabetes Care in Florida!

We’re thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity that could transform diabetes care in Florida! Applications are now open for the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Mentorship Cohort Program.

What is this opportunity?

This mentorship cohort is designed to empower organizations like yours to establish, build, achieve accreditation for, sustain, increase access to, or expand high-quality DSMES services for adults across Florida. If you’re passionate about making a real impact in your community, this program is for you! Click here to access the program opportunity document for more information

What’s in it for you?

Successful applicants will receive:

  • Individual and group technical assistance and mentorship from experts in the field.
  • The chance to request $1,000 – $4,000 in resource support to bolster your efforts.

The program runs from approximately September 12, 2025, to May 8, 2026, offering ample time to achieve your goals.

Our Shared Mission: Why This Matters

The core purpose of this program is to significantly increase access to quality DSMES services and strengthen the organizational capacity to deliver exceptional diabetes self-management education and support.

We are particularly focused on reaching:

  • Rural communities that currently lack recognized or accredited DSMES programs.
  • Populations disproportionately affected by high rates of type 2 diabetes, its complications, and diabetes-related deaths.

Our short-term goal is to help more DSMES programs get on the path toward accreditation or recognition. The long-term vision is to dramatically increase the number of programs in Florida that meet the National Standards for accreditation and/or recognition, ultimately improving countless lives.

Ready to Apply?

Applying is simple! Complete your application via our SurveyMonkey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/25_26DSMESApplication

Important Dates and Information:

Have questions after reviewing the funding announcement and application? Please submit all questions using this SurveyMonkey link before the Q&A call: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XGHBWFK

Key Dates:

For any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Peggy Brown at Planning@hpcswf.com.

We look forward to partnering with you to make a significant difference in the lives of Floridians managing diabetes!

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