Diabetes Prevention Program Toolkit

A critical element for strengthening your team is to hire qualified personnel who understand the community and the Tribe(s) they serve.

In a strong team, program leadership:

• Ensures development of the synergy needed for teams to be productive
• Fosters and supports cooperation, innovation, diversity, and accountability
• Clearly defines and assigns roles and responsibilities according to staff skills, interests, and talents
• Encourages staff to be flexible in roles and duties
• Provides guidance for the team to work together effectively while modeling the collaborative teamwork and communication expected of team members
• Sets professional conduct and communication standards consistent with the mission and vision of the team and the organization
• Sets rules and expectations of the team
• Empowers team members to meet or exceed their performance goals
• Gives regular feedback to staff
• Celebrates successes

In a strong team, team members:

• Have respect for each other
• Have shared values
• Have a common goal and vision
• Understand each other's strengths and weaknesses
• Understand each other's roles
• Communicate clearly and openly
• Encourage diversity
• Enjoy working together
• Find solutions for issues as they arise

CDC-recognized lifestyle change programs must have lifestyle coaches who are trained to use a CDC-approved curriculum and who have the knowledge and skills to effectively deliver the program. For more information on training opportunities for lifestyle coaching, visit the CDC's Staffing and Training webpage.

Find training opportunities to build and strengthen staff skills and competencies from the following organizations:

• IHS Division of Diabetes Online CME/CE Education
• American Diabetes Association (ADA) Continuing Education Opportunities
• National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators Training

• Integrate the DPP Program
  • Seek support from leaders at your organization, including the Executive Director, Health Director, Medical Director, and Providers.
  • Integrate the program within community- and clinic-based diabetes programs.
  • Integrate the program by developing policies and procedures that can be adopted in your health system.
  • Partner with the SDPI Community-Directed Program and other health promotion and disease prevention programs at your organization to share resources.
• Seek local support
  • Gain support by showcasing your program and program success at community and Tribal meetings.
  • Develop a diabetes prevention coalition with community members and health professionals.
  • Engage Tribal leadership to serve as champions for the program to help with program visibility and sustainability.
• Develop partnerships
  • Local Universities – Enlist students enrolled in public health, nursing, or pharmacy schools to assist with program activities (e.g., screenings or recruitment events) or to participate in program internships.
  • Community and Service Organizations – Co-sponsor events with groups such as Boys and Girls Clubs that may result in splitting costs and manpower.
  • Local Recreation Centers – Work with fitness facilities to develop and implement fitness training programs for participants. Weekly sessions help keep participants engaged and working toward goals.
  • National Organizations – Partner with national organizations to receive materials and updates on their national campaigns. "Let's Move! in Indian Country" or the "Just Move It" campaigns promote physical activity.
  • Media Outlets – Work with media outlets and social media channels to publicize your program's success stories. The more widely known the program is, the greater the chance for partnerships.

Sustainability is best achieved through program development that includes:

• A long-term focus
• Ongoing program evaluation
• Policies that are followed consistently
• Reliable data
• Interest and support from Tribal leadership and the local community

Develop a sustainability action plan:

• Integrate sustainability planning at the beginning of your program.
• Conduct an assessment of your program's capacity.
• Keep sustainability planning ongoing and interactive.
• Create a solid base for program funding and support by considering the following:
  • Financial support from local Tribe(s)
  • Grants from other sources (e.g., foundations, government, private funding)
  • Billing for services, when possible
  • Volunteers, donations, in-kind
  • Fundraising

Resources to assist in assessment and planning:

• Community Toolbox – This public health toolbox provides numerous resources for sustainability planning and additional tools and tips for those working on building healthier communities.
• Program Sustainability Assessment Tool – This tool is designed to measure program capacity for sustainability by evaluating political support, funding stability, partnerships, organizational capacity, program evaluation, program adaptation, communications, and strategic plans.