The Taos Diabetes Club and Taos Whole Community Health's evidence-based prevention program are tackling diabetes and improving health through community education and connection.
According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 208,000 adults in New Mexico, or 10.7% of the population, have been diagnosed with diabetes. Each year the figure climbs by an estimated 13,000 people, affecting the health and well-being of communities like Taos. Despite having a local hospital with an endocrinology department, many Taos residents with diabetes and pre-diabetes have struggled to find the support that they need. When one Taos mother looked around the community following her son’s sudden Type 1 diagnosis, she found there were very few local resources or points of connection for children and families managing the disease. At the same time, one team member with Taos Whole Community Health observed that residents at risk of Type 2 diabetes had nowhere to turn for help making lifestyle changes that could prevent the disease.
To address these gaps, both locals came up with solutions: a family support group and a CDC-certified prevention program. LOR’s funding helped launch the Taos Diabetes Club and the group’s first event series, where, in addition to fun activities like swimming, families could connect with health care providers and other local resources. LOR’s funding also helped Taos Whole Community Health kick off a free yearlong, evidence-based diabetes prevention program to help residents develop healthy habits. Both programs aim to provide education and connection to aid residents in managing and preventing diabetes. “Our mission as a family is to be able to provide the best life and the most love for our kids as possible,” says Emy Martinez-DeHerrera, the principal of Taos High School and the founder of the Taos Diabetes Club. “And just because diabetes is part of that life, now it’s about creating that same life for others around us.” Watch the video below to learn how the Taos Diabetes Club and Taos Whole Community Health are providing resources and support for Taos families navigating life with diabetes.
Filmed and edited by Mark Totte.
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