Diabetes Prevention and Control Program

Diabetes Multicultural Coalition
(DMC)

What is the DMC?  The Diabetes Multicultural Coalition

The Diabetes Multicultural Coalition is a group of 62 agencies and individuals whose mission is to inform, educate and bring awareness of diabetes and its complications to all the multi-cultural and multi-lingual communities residing in Rhode Island.

Goals of DMC

• Reduce and/or eliminate disparities regarding access to care and/or diabetes complications for persons with diabetes
• Empower the caretaker(s) to become an integrated member of the diabetes care for the family member with diabetes

DMC projects and activities

The DMC participates and develops activities geared to provide information on diabetes and its complications in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate for the intended audience.  

The DMC actively participates with collaborating community agency members in community activities such as health fairs and workshops throughout the year.

Some key activities follow:

Diabetes Multicultural Month -- September  During the month of September the DMC invites community agencies, libraries, churches, banks, and any other interested groups to join in the diabetes awareness celebration by providing a booth/table with diabetes information.  Free educational workshops and glucose screenings are also offered through the DMC's collaborators.

Additional monthly celebrations -- DMC activities are more visible in the Fall months of September through November.  September is Multicultural Month in Rhode Island; in October the DMC actively participates with the national Minority Health Month; November is Diabetes National Month.  During winter and spring months of February (Heart Disease Month) and May (Stroke Month), the DMC collaborates with the American Heart Association.  The DMC also works closely with partners such as the Diabetes Foundation of Rhode Island and the American Diabetes Association, in increasing community awareness regarding diabetes and its complications.

The Diabetes Eye Care Project -- this is an activity/campaign held in partnership with Saving Sight Rhode Island.  This project offers individuals with diabetes who have not had a dilated eye exam during the last 18 months, and who are uninsured, under-insured, or confronting barriers to health care access, a free dilated eye exam, a regular eye exam and eye glasses (if needed).  

• For more information call Saving Sight Rhode Island (401)738-1150 and ask to participate in the Diabetes Eye Care Project.  Additional questions should be forwarded to Maria Mattias of the DCP (see contact information below).

Diabetes Training for persons interested in becoming Diabetes Information and Referral Specialists (DIRES).     

• DIRES Qualifications:  Candidates must be over 18 years of age and have a High School Diploma or GED; bilingual preferable.
• Note: If you are a nurse, dietitian, or pharmacist you may also qualify to become a Diabetes Outpatient Educator.  [See DOE program page for details].
• If you are a person with diabetes and are interested in receiving diabetes education, please link to this web page: DOE program