Welcome to the Jessie B. Crump Diabetes Training Center at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen!

All outpatients must first check-in at Outpatient Registration before proceeding to the Diabetes Education Program in the Outpatient Center. For information, call (956) 389-1119.

Diabetes... A Health Care Crisis Among Hispanics

An estimated 10.2% of Hispanics have Diabetes and Mexican Americans are two times more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic whites of similar age (Centers for Disease Control, 2000). Approximately 8% of the South Texas population endures diabetes compared to 6.2 % nationally. The mortality rate for Diabetes in South Texas is 41.7% compared to 19 % nationally (ADA, 2003). Research indicates that the prevalence of Diabetes is higher among Texas residents who have less than a high school education or with a household income less than $15,000 (Texas Department of Health, 1999).

The Diabetes Center at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen

Effective Diabetes education can reduce diabetes complications by one-third (Brown and Hanis, 1999). The Diabetes Education Program (DEP), which has been a service to the RGV community since 1980, offers an outpatient diabetes education series for newly diagnosed and long-standing Diabetes patients.

Type I, Type II and gestational diabetics are offered one-to-one initial assessments, Diabetes classes, along with follow-up appointments, and support group services.

Bilingual registered nurses certified in Diabetes education provide Diabetes assessments and education. Educational materials and support groups are offered and presented in English and Spanish. The program nurses also participate and present at various community health fairs that are held at community schools, clinics and churches. Fiesta Diabetes and a Diabetes Expo are major health fairs sponsored by the Center and offered in the spring and fall, respectively.

The Diabetes Center currently collaborates with the American Diabetes Association and Valley Baptist Heart and Vascular Program, to promote Diabetes awareness and offer diabetes screenings and education.

Please call 956) 389-1119 for information on our Diabetes Education Program at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 AM-4:30 PM.

Community Served

The Rio Grande Valley in South Texas is one of the poorest regions in the U.S. Approximately 35% of the population living in this region does not have health insurance and lives below the poverty line.  An estimated 86% of the population of the RGV is Hispanic and approximately 8% of the population has diabetes. The mortality rate for diabetes in South Texas is 41.7%.

Qualifications of Implementation Team

The implementation team will be composed of health professionals including a masters level program coordinator, a physician medical director, a registered nurse program manager, three registered nurses who are certified Diabetes educators, an administrative assistant, and a medical technician. The majority of staff is bilingual and highly experienced in diabetes education and management instruction.

Performance with Target Population

The target audience of the Diabetes Center has included Diabetics of all ages, Types 1 and II, and gestational Diabetics residing in Cameron, Willacy and Hidalgo counties of the RGV. Of the typical population served, 75% have been Hispanic and 25% Caucasian. Approximately 75% speak Spanish only or are bilingual. Thirty-one percent are high school graduates, 33% are college graduates, 21% completed high school, 13% completed 6th grade, and 2% are illiterate or can only read and write.

Through the years behavioral change and hospitalization data has been collected to demonstrate the effectiveness of this outpatient program.

A total of 4,112 outpatients were served at the Diabetes Center between years 2000-2002.

Awards and Recognition

This program meets the National Standards of Diabetes Patient Education and is recognized by the American Diabetes Association.