Family Health Network of Central New York, Inc.

Overview

The target population served by the Family Health Network of Central New York in Cortland and contiguous counties is primarily rural and low-income with one of the highest diabetes mortality rates and one of the lowest self-monitoring rates in the State. This project would enable the Network to expand its implementation of the chronic care model from two sites to five sites, and into its occupational health program.

While the prevalence of diabetes is relatively low in the area, the mortality rate is high (28.0 compared to 20.5 statewide). Perhaps not surprisingly, the region has the third lowest reported daily self-monitoring of blood glucose and the fifth lowest reported daily foot self-checks among the New York State Diabetes Coalition Regions.

The Family Health Network, which operates a network of medical and dental centers, school-based clinics, and obstetrics and gynecology services in Cortland and Cayuga counties, received training on the Chronic Care Model in 2002 and implemented the model in two of its five medical sites. NYSHealth funding will expand the model to the Family Health Network’s additional three sites and incorporate elements of the model into its occupational health program (which reaches male adults who frequently do not seek preventive or screening care). Along with this expansion, the network plans to implement the “Take the Plunge” weight loss program in all communities it serves.