Diabetes Community Wellness Program

Overview:
BBAHC’s Diabetes Community Wellness Program has proudly served the Bristol Bay Region for the past 27 years. Each year, the program dedicates its resources to support three primary areas: clinic visits in Kanakanak Hospital; village visits by diabetes provider and team members in Bristol Bay Region; and community outreach to local schools and communities.

With a continued focus on those patients diagnosed with Type 1 (T1DM), Type 2 (T2DM), Pre-diabetes (PDM), and Gestational diabetes (GDM), the diabetes community wellness program continues to build upon its strong foundation by growing in reach, deepening its impact, and evolving to meet patient needs. 

Growing in Reach:
We are expanding community engagement across Bristol Bay by offering more activities and educational opportunities. This year, we’ve hosted walking and running events, a community Zumba class, and supported villages in organizing their own local activities including Open Gym (school gym access for 10 months of the year throughout the region). 

We provide DSMES (Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support) classes across our region, offering patients living with Type 2 diabetes added education and ongoing support.

Deepening Our Impact:
With the support of federal and private, non-profit grants, our team is working to increase physical activity in Dillingham. Through a CDC/ANTHC grant, we’ve expanded opportunities for movement, and with AARP funding, we’re installing benches, tables, and bike racks to encourage active living throughout the community.

We are also addressing a critical Social Determinant of Health (SDOH)—food security. Access to fresh, nutritious, and affordable food is essential for the health of all who call Bristol Bay home. To support this, we have surveyed Bristol Bay about food security and are collaborating with other BBAHC programs to establish greenhouses and hydroponic stations in each village, ensuring future generations have the tools to grow their own healthy food.

Evolving to Meet Patient Needs:
Our diabetes care team includes diabetes providers (physicians and advanced practice providers), RN Case Managers, a dietitian, and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. We are excited to announce the addition of a Clinical Pharmacist who will provide medication education and support, further strengthening our clinical care.

Promoting Generational Wellness
We remain committed to building a healthier future for our communities—one that supports wellness across generations.

There are several pathways that patients are seen and care is coordinated.

• Depending on your condition/s you will be placed into a team and a plan of care which involves your input will be set up and reviewed with your throughout the year/s.
• Newly Diagnosed clients with diabetes are prioritized along with patients who are on insulin.

Partnerships in Diabetes Care

• BBAHC Optometry goal to perform dilated eye exams on all patients with diabetes routinely.
• Outpatient Primary Health Care Providers BBAHC have a wholistic team approach and often you may have your routine health care provider in addition to the BBAHC Diabetes Care Team.
• Pharmacy BBAHC works closely with the Diabetes Care Team to ensure your diabetes medications are supplied in a timely manner and additional consultations may occur. It is very important that you call Pharmacy for your refills at least 14 days prior to running out.
• Pathology BBAHC and village clinic work hard to ensure that your pathology orders are ready for the Diabetes Care Team appointments. It is important to complete any pathology orders at least three days before your appointments so that the most current pathology results are available.