Below is the summary from the Q&A call we held on June 15th for the DSMES Mentorship Cohort Program. Included are a link and a password to view the Q&A session recording. Reminder, all applications are due by midnight on July 7, 2026. The program announcement contains the program information, application information, and the process timeline. Click here to access it. To access the PDF version of the application for planning purposes, click here. If you are ready to apply today, here is the direct link to the application: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/26_27DSMESApplication 

Recording Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/5i1xYYOxqucX4FYrPZXVGcB8aHZOw45yzuulVM-lz1VJ9l87XzyYTAcSeZGaEgiy.weCRbwfqAAKPiHK2

Passcode: q#k4$?9b

Link to PowerPoint here

Meeting summary

Quick recap

The Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida hosted a Q&A session about their diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) mentorship program application. Peggy Brown, the Director of Planning, and Julia Cooper presented the program details, which offer mentorship, technical assistance, and up to $4,000 in resource support to help organizations develop, expand, or sustain DSMES programs. The program runs from August 2026 to May 2027, with applications due July 7th and awards announced July 28th. Key requirements include having at least one RN, RD, or pharmacist on staff, completing monthly surveys and technical assistance calls, and working toward national standards. Allison Wiman from Big Bend Area Health Education Center shared her positive experience as a past cohort member, highlighting how the program helped them become accredited. The session addressed questions about program eligibility, virtual service delivery, minimum participant numbers, and staffing requirements, with Kathy Mulcahy from the Florida Diabetes Alliance clarifying that while MDs are not specifically required, a certified diabetes care and education specialist would meet the criteria.

Diabetes Mentorship Application Meeting

Peggy Brown, Director of Planning at the Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida, led a meeting about the diabetes self-management education and support services mentorship application. She introduced the program details, including a partnership with other health councils and the Florida Diabetes Alliance, and outlined the application process with a July 7th deadline. The meeting included information about the mentorship cohort opportunity, which provides access to technical assistance, one-on-one mentoring, and resource support between $1,000 and $4,000 for successful applicants. The session was recorded and will be shared with those who could not attend, including a link to the application.

Diabetes Program Funding Opportunity

Allison Wiman shared her experience participating in a diabetes management program cohort five years ago as Executive Director of Big Bend Area Health Education Center, which helped them become accredited by ADCES and successfully renew their accreditation. The discussion outlined details of a current funding opportunity for organizations serving people with diabetes, including access to mentors, monthly calls with cohort members, and up to $4,000 in resource support for training, educational materials, and accreditation fees. Key requirements include completing monthly surveys, attending technical assistance calls, and demonstrating commitment to national standards, with applications due July 7th and program running from August 2026 to May 2027.

DSMES Program Requirements Overview

Julia explained the requirements for mentees in the DSMES program, including signing a program agreement, completing baseline assessments, and submitting monthly progress reports through SurveyMonkey. She outlined the application process, emphasizing that it is specifically for DSMES programs and not Diabetes Prevention Programs, and cannot support agencies receiving diabetes grant money from county health departments. Julia detailed the application sections, which cover organization information, service recipients, program status, and national standards for DSMES programs.

DSMES Application Process Requirements

Peggy clarified that participants are not awarded more or fewer points based on their position along the program spectrum, emphasizing that both early and advanced stages are acceptable. Julia outlined the application process, including setting goals, requesting resource support, identifying staff responsible for providing services, and providing community references. Kathy confirmed that a DSMES program must have at least one RN, RD, or pharmacist, and Julia noted that partnerships with external professionals are acceptable. The discussion concluded with a reminder that all sections of the application must be completed for submission, as incomplete applications will not be considered.

Diabetes Program Funding Opportunity

The meeting focused on answering questions about a funding opportunity for a diabetes self-management education and support program. Key points discussed included notification of awardees on July 28th, acceptance of virtual or hybrid program delivery, and the requirement that programs have qualified personnel, such as RNs, RDs, or pharmacists, though exceptions are possible for certified diabetes care and education specialists. The conversation ended with reassurances that the application process is supportive and encourages potential applicants to submit applications to expand access to diabetes education across Florida.