Mission of the Council: is to reduce the economic, social, physical and psychological impact of diabetes in Arkansas by improving access to care and enhancing the quality of services by linking and maintaining effective network management relationships and implementing sound public health strategies.

The Arkansas Diabetes Advisory Council (DAC) seeks members from a wide range of backgrounds and geographic locations from across the state to assist in its goals and objectives.

Purpose of the Council: Established in 1998, the Council is to provide leadership to reduce the burden of diabetes in Arkansas. The Council represents public and private partners to promote education, awareness, and quality of care to reduce the burden of complications. The Council advocates for legislation, policies, and programs to improve the treatment and outcomes of people with diabetes in Arkansas.

Membership consists of: persons with diabetes (or their family members), nurse educators, dietitians, health educators, primary care providers, podiatrists, endocrinologists, epidemiologists, psychologists, pharmacists, community health centers, diabetes education programs, health plans, American Diabetes Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Arkansas Department of Health, consumer or sales groups and academic institutions.

Meetings are held quarterly (four times a year), the first Thursday of each quarter from 11:30am-1:00 p.m.

Contact:

The Diabetes Program at Arkansas Department of Health at (501) 661 2942.

Arkansas Diabetes State Plan: 2009 – 2014

The current diabetes state plan calls for emphasis in the following areas. Subcommittees meet to solidify activities.

Four subcommittees:

1. Patient Education – to increase diabetes knowledge among patients and caregivers to improve diabetes self-management behaviors and related health outcomes.
2. Provider Education – to expand providers’ cultural competency, diabetes knowledge and adherence to the American Diabetes Association clinical practice guidelines.
3. Public Education – to build support and understanding in the general public regarding diabetes prevention, early detection, and treatment methods in Arkansas.
4. Policy-maker Education – to influence and promote policy decisions in businesses, health facilities, state agencies, and state government/legislative branches to promote policies and programs that support diabetes prevention and control.

Activities: The DAC provides a wide range of support services such as technical assistance, quality improvement and health promotions through media messages emphasizing:

• Increased awareness of diabetes and the importance of early detection and prevention of diabetes among residents of Arkansas.
• Increased access to education for those identified with pre-diabetes.
• Improved access to education and other resources necessary for diabetes self-management.

Major accomplishments include:

1. Working with health officials and providers, citizens and health researchers produced a five-year diabetes state plan for 2009- 2014. 
2. Providing assistance in the implementation of the Diabetes State Plan by supporting and coordinating activities and strategies set forth in the DPCP Annual Action Plan. 

The Diabetes Advisory Council provides a wide range of support services such as technical assistance, quality improvement and health promotion through media messages such as media campaigns targeting the Month of November as Diabetes Awareness Month. Scoreboards on university/college campuses, TV, Print ads, traffic to websites (Diabetes Prevention & Control Program and other Chronic Disease Programs) and ways to prevent diabetes in at-risk populations by working with community partners to prevent and control diabetes, thereby improving the quality of life for all persons affected by diabetes.