Queens, NY: NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens announced that its Diabetes Self-Management Education Program has been awarded continued recognition from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) through its Education Recognition Program (ERP). The program was first recognized in June 2004 and continues to provide high-quality education services to the patients it serves. The ADA Education Recognition effort, initiated in 1986, is a voluntary process that assures approved education programs meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs. Programs achieving this recognition status are staffed by knowledgeable health professionals who provide state-of-the-art information about diabetes management that directly benefit community health outcomes.
“The process provides professionals with a national standard to measure the quality of the services they provide,” said Neil Moore, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens. “With approximately 12% of all Queens residents diagnosed with diabetes, our commitment to providing quality diabetes education is critical. The ADA’s resources are instrumental in empowering our patients with the knowledge and skills they need for effective self-management.”
“The ADA’s designation confirms our commitment to excellence, and it directly enhances the quality of care we provide,” said Dr. Issac Sachmechi, Director of the Diabetes Program. “The high rates of diabetes in our community — especially in neighborhoods like Jamaica, Hollis, and Rosedale — underscore the importance of our work. Utilizing ADA's guidelines, we enhance the lives of New Yorkers living with diabetes, offering valuable resources and support to manage their conditions effectively.”
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(Left to right) NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens Assistant Head Nurse of Ambulatory Care Services Debbie Hermanstyne, RN, AHN, with Director of the Diabetes Program Dr. Issac Sachmechi and Dietician Maria Castanos, RDN (Photo courtesy: NYC Health+Hospital)
NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens leverages the ADA’s comprehensive education resources to enhance the offerings of the Diabetes Center of Excellence. The specialized, accredited care the center provides includes personalized treatment plans, self-management education, nutritional counseling, and endocrinology support, all designed with a focus on preventing complications. By integrating innovative tools, such as smartphone app integration for real-time feedback, patients are empowered to take charge of their health.
Diabetes significantly impacts Southeast Queens, aligning with broader trends across New York City where approximately 12% of residents are diagnosed with diabetes. Specific neighborhoods — including Jamaica, Hollis, Rosedale, and Laurelton — are prioritized due to high rates of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity-related health disparities. By employing ADA's standards in the programming, the aim is to address these pervasive health issues effectively.
Self-management education is a critical component of diabetes treatment, as it equips patients with essential skills to manage their conditions. Compliance with the National Standards ensures consistency in the quality and quantity of education offered to people with diabetes. Participants in an ADA-recognized program are taught key self-care skills as needed to promote effective diabetes management.
“Nurses are at the forefront of diabetes care, providing essential support and education to our patients,” said Dr. Abbi-Gail Baboolal, Chief Nursing Officer. “Many residents in our service area are at risk of severe complications due to poorly managed diabetes, making our programs even more critical. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Debbie Hermanstyne, Assistant Head Nurse of Ambulatory Care Services, for her exceptional leadership in preparing the recertification application. Her hard work and dedication were instrumental in achieving this milestone, reflecting our collective commitment to delivering high-quality diabetes education and support.”
“Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSME)S is an essential part of managing diabetes and is as effective as diabetes medication,” said Barbara Eichorst, MS, RD, CDCES, the ADA's Vice President of Health Programs. “We applaud NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens for its commitment to providing value-based interventions such as DSMES, maximizing corresponding outcomes and patient experience.”
“The continued recognition highlights the collaborative efforts of our dedicated staff,” said Dr. Dave Holson, Chief Medical Officer. “We know that people in our community face higher risks of complications due to poorly managed diabetes. By working together, we can empower our patients to take control of their diabetes management, reducing potential complications and improving overall health outcomes.”
For more information about the ADA’s Education Recognition Program and NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens’ diabetes education services, please contact Zenaida Magnaye-Banzon at [email protected] or (646) 498-1787.
