Beebe brings diabetes education and resources to community

In ways that go beyond traditional healthcare, Beebe is dedicated to serving the people who live in, work in and visit Sussex County. This is evident through the organization’s commitment to providing education, support and resources for those who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with diabetes. The free Beebe programs that benefit the entire community are made possible through the generous support of  donors and local partners.

Beebe launched its first National Diabetes Prevention Program in Millsboro in June 2023. This program includes a CDC-approved curriculum with handouts, lessons, tracking tools and other resources helpful in making healthy behavior changes. Beebe has four trained lifestyle coaches and continues to meet a variety of needs by providing the program to our team members and community, in-person and virtually.

Self-management workshops are offered throughout the county with our team of trained lay leaders and community partners. They are open to adults who have a chronic disease, chronic pain or diabetes, or provide care for someone living with such issues. Self-management programs are highly interactive and evidence-based. Participants learn how to live better by managing their disease. They are conducted with small groups for 2½-hour weekly sessions over six weeks.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is key to avoiding and managing diabetes. For some, this is easier said than done. There has been an increased demand for food assistance programs across Sussex County, which play a critical role in combating hunger.

Beebe’s monthly food pantry program provides nutritional and supplemental support for people who face food insecurity and are challenged when it comes to putting healthy food on the table. Each month over the past year, Beebe’s community outreach team has provided fresh food and pantry items for more than 65 families in need. This program is made possible through collaboration with many community partners, including the Food Bank of Delaware, Epworth United Methodist Church and Seaside Jewish Community.

The food prescription program supports people who reside in underserved areas. Those who meet the program’s enrollment requirements receive healthy, wholesome foods: lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and assorted heart-healthy pantry items. Groceries are delivered on a weekly basis for a period of six months. Led by a registered dietitian, participants take part in a series of chronic disease self-management courses that show how nutritional and lifestyle changes can improve their chronic conditions. They are also invited to partake in culinary classes taught by a local chef.

Recently, 20 community members completed the program, and there are efforts underway to enroll a second group. This initiative is funded by the Merck Foundation and in partnership with the Food Bank of Delaware, First State Community Action Agency and local public libraries.

For many years, Beebe’s community outreach team has been organizing health fairs across Sussex County, creating a platform to bring together free health screenings, education, resources and partners. These events give people an opportunity to learn more about the steps they can take to improve their health and prevent disease, and educate participants on topics such as obesity, nutrition and stroke awareness. This opens doors for people to ask questions and gain insights from medical professionals.

Beebe participates in more than 100 events each year organized by local agencies. Many provide free blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings.

In 2023, Beebe launched its mobile outreach program, which integrates behavioral health, medical care and social care. It brings a multidisciplinary team of care providers out into the community with a goal to address a myriad of healthcare issues, including pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Blood glucose screenings and hemoglobin A1c point-of-care testing are available to help diagnose or manage diabetes.

Collectively, these programs showcase the many steps Beebe is taking to build a healthier community through diabetes awareness, education and support. For more information, call 302-645-3337.