BMC Diabetes Program Recognized

PITTSFIELD — The Diabetes Education program at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) has been certified by the American Diabetes Assoc. (ADA), the largest and most widely recognized diabetes awareness organization in the U.S.

The BMC program is led by Candace Lusa, RN and provides diabetes education services to patients throughout the Berkshires.

Certification by the ADA identifies quality diabetes programs that meet the national standards for diabetes self-management education. According to the ADA, “diabetes self-management education is the cornerstone of care for all individuals with diabetes who want to achieve succesful health-related outcomes.”

Targeted at adults 18 and over with Type 1 or 2 diabetes, the BMC program utilizes three certified edicators: Ann Kohn, RN; Bobbi Orsi, RN BSN; and Jan Salzer-Odgen, a registered dietician. Participants in the BMC program must have a physician referral, and each has an individualized assessment. The one-on-one meeting assesses the current knowledge of the patient and his or her current practices. From there, an education plan is developed. Individual or group sessions are available, depending on the nature of the patient’s needs. Family members are also encouraged to attend both individual and group sessions with the participant.