COMMUNITY

Helping to Close Gaps in Diabetes Care

While nearly 24 million Americans are living with diabetes, studies show that African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease. At the same time, they are less likely to have adequate healthcare to effectively manage it.

To help close the gap, in 2009 the Merck Company Foundation launched The Alliance to Reduce Disparities in Diabetes, an initiative aimed at improving the delivery of healthcare services among populations most at risk for diabetes. Funded by a $15 million commitment from the Merck Company Foundation, The Alliance works to mobilize patients, healthcare providers and health organization leaders to work together at the community level to improve diabetes prevention and management.

A Community - based Approach

The Alliance supports comprehensive diabetes programs in five U.S. communities:

  • Camden, NJ–An initiative led by the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers better coordinates comprehensive primary care services for city residents with diabetes
  • Chicago–An effort led by the University of Chicago redesigns diabetes management and care provided at community health centers on the city's South Side
  • Dallas–A program led by the Baylor Healthcare System's Office of Health Equity helps physicians develop strategies that promote effective care and management for low–income, uninsured and underserved people with diabetes
  • Fort Washakie, WY–A project led by the Eastern Shoshone Tribe improves access to diabetes care and management among the Eastern Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Indian Reservation and the Northern Arapaho Tribe
  • Memphis–An initiative led by partners in the Healthy Memphis Common Table Collaborative promotes community outreach and diabetes self–management through local churches
To learn more about this program, click here for the 2008 Corporate Responsibility Report.

Reaching Out at the National Level

At the national level, the Alliance will share information and collaborate on projects to help health organizations across the country reduce disparities in healthcare. The Center for Managing Chronic Disease at the University of Michigan is coordinating the Alliance's efforts nationally and will encourage innovative work on multiple aspects of diabetes control and strengthen advocacy for reducing the national disparities in diabetes.