WADEC named Provider of the Year
By Staff Reports
Published in News on April 2, 2009 1:46 PM
Wayne Area Diabetic and Education Center received the American Diabetes Association "Provider of the Year for 2009" award.
Started in 1999, WADEC is currently the only ADA-recognized diabetes self-management program in Wayne County, offering counseling and specialized classes in weight management and cholesterol.
Shelda Johnson, WADEC coordinator, said the center was launched by Wayne Memorial Hospital to fight the higher-than-average rates of diabetes in the community.
"The center's registered nurse and registered dietitian -- both certified diabetes educator -- teach people how to prevent diabetes, stress the importance of early diagnosis and help patients manager the disease and prevent complications," she said. "WADEC's diabetes education program includes individual and group sessions with the registered dietitian and registered nurse. More than 500 patients, many of whom cannot pay, take advantage of these services each year."
In addition to education and instruction on meal plans, nurse educators discuss exercise, medications, blood sugar monitoring and stress management.
The American Diabetes Association annually recognizes programs that exceed national standards and provide excellent patient care. This year, five programs in the state were recognized as "Provider of the Year," including "The Essentials of Self-Care Diabetes Self-Management Program" at Wayne Memorial.