The Association's Education Recognition Certificate assures that education programs meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self Management Education Programs. These Standards were developed and tested under the auspices of the National Diabetes Advisory Board in 1983 and were revised by the diabetes community in 2007.

Programs applying for recognition voluntarily submit to a rigorous review process by experts in the field of diabetes who evaluate each program on its ability to provide patients with a comprehensive individualized education program. Programs that achieve Recognition status have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide participants with comprehensive information about diabetes management.

"The process gives professionals at WCMC a national standard by which to measure the quality of services they provide," said LaDonna Johnston, Vice President of Patient Services at White County Medical Center. "And, of course, it assures the consumer that he or she will likely receive high quality service."

Education Recognition status is verified by an official certificate from ADA and is awarded for three years.

"White County Medical Center continuously implements programs like these to bring the highest quality of health care possible to our region," said Ray Montgomery, President and CEO of WCMC.

"Twenty percent of all hospital inpatient admissions are patients who have diabetes as a primary, secondary or tertiary condition. Many health care systems are making diabetes management a strategies priority to address in their communities," said Julie Smith, RN and Diabetes Coordinator.

"Patient education is critical," Smith said. "People with diabetes can reduce their risk for complications if they are educated about their disease, learn and practice the skills necessary to better control their blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels and receive regular checkups with their health care team."

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading non-profit health organization supporting diabetes research, advocacy and information for health professionals, patients and the public. Founded in 1940, the Association has an area office in every state and conducts programs in communities nationwide.

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