CRMC’s diabetes education program merits national recognition

From left, Lora Simpson, R.D., L.D.N., certified diabetes educator at the Diabetes Center at CRMC, and Pam Hayes, director of the Diabetes Center at CRMC.
From left, Lora Simpson, R.D., L.D.N., certified diabetes educator at the Diabetes Center at CRMC, and Pam Hayes, director of the Diabetes Center at CRMC.

COOKEVILLE – The Diabetes Center at Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) was recently awarded the prestigious American Diabetes Association (ADA) Education Recognition Certificate for having a quality diabetes self-management education program. This award shows that the ADA believes the Diabetes Center program offers high-quality education that is an essential component of effective diabetes treatment.

The Diabetes Center offers an education program focusing on teaching self-management skills to patients with diabetes and their families. The program utilizes a team approach in developing an individualized plan for each participant. The Diabetes Center staff are certified diabetes educators, including a registered nurse and a dietitian.

“Since 1998, our program has been an American Diabetes Association Recognized Program, which means we meet the national standards for diabetes self-management education,” Pam Hayes, director of the Diabetes Center, said. “We are passionate about educating people with diabetes and their families in the Upper Cumberland. We are here to be a resource for them when they have questions.”

According to the ADA, 29.1 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with diabetes, which increases the need for educational programs. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.

“The Diabetes Center applied for recognition voluntarily,” Linda Crawford, chief clinical officer at CRMC, said. “Programs that achieve recognition status prove to have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide participants with comprehensive information about diabetes management. We continuously strive to provide high-quality diabetes education for participants of the program. Receiving recognition status can continue to assure those who have diabetes in the Upper Cumberland that they are, in fact, receiving that high-quality service.”

A physician referral is required for the Diabetes Center at CRMC. For more information, call (931) 520-7747.The Diabetes Center is located at 127 N. Oak Ave., approximately two blocks from the hospital campus.

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