Rural Alabama Prevention Center
Diabetes Education and
Self-Empowerment Program
The Diabetes Help You Deserve...
The Diabetes Education and Self-Empowerment Program is a cornerstone of the Southwest Alabama Health Improvement Initiative (SWAHII) led by the Rural Alabama Prevention Center. This comprehensive program is designed to educate, empower, and support individuals at risk for or living with Type 2 diabetes, particularly within the underserved African American communities in Alabama’s Delta region.
Using the evidence-based Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP™), participants engage in a series of interactive educational sessions that cover crucial topics such as diabetes self-care, nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and medication adherence. DEEP™ is conducted in partnership with local churches across the Alabama Black Belt, empowering the community, one person at a time. Each participant in the DEEP™ program is paired with a Community Health Worker (CHW) who walks alongside them to help support, manage, and prevent their Type 2 diabetes.
​
Each CHW works with 15 participants annually, collecting and reporting daily health data (blood glucose, weight, food intake, and physical activity) and providing feedback to a nurse. CHWs also coordinate with nurses and program providers to share physical activity opportunities, discuss meal plans, and help participants overcome challenges.
.jpg)
What is
DEEP?
DEEP™ is a hands-on, supportive program that helps you understand and manage Type 2 diabetes. We break everything down into clear, easy-to-follow modules so you can take control of your health at your own pace. The topics covered include:
-
Understanding Diabetes: Discover what diabetes is, how it affects your body, and why keeping your blood sugar in check matters.
-
Nutrition & Meal Planning: Get practical tips on choosing healthy foods and crafting meal plans that support steady blood sugar levels.
-
Physical Activity & Exercise: Learn fun, simple ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine that fit your lifestyle.
-
Stress Management & Emotional Well-Being: Explore techniques to manage stress and boost your overall emotional health, because feeling good is just as important as looking after your body.
-
Medication & Self-Care: Understand your medications better and build personalized self-care routines that work for you.
​
DEEP™ empowers to take charge of your Type 2 diabetes journey with confidence and ease. By providing you with essential knowledge and practical tools, we aim to support your health goals every step of the way. Join us in creating a healthier future where you can thrive both physically and emotionally. Your journey to better health starts here!
Serving Greene, Sumter, Choctaw, Pickens, Perry, Barbour, Macon, Bullock, Monroe, Conecuh, Escambia, Butler, Dallas, Marengo, Clarke, Wilcox, Washington, and Hale counties.
Eligibility:
-
A1C 5.7% or above
-
Ages 18–75
Gain the knowledge, skills, and support to manage diabetes and prevent complications.
Join Us
Get in touch so we can start working together.
