Media Release

For: IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 22, 2004
Contact: Dona Goldman, Program Manager, Diabetes Control, 401-222-6957

Better Diabetes Care for Rhode Island: First Congress Progress Report

WHO: The Rhode Island Department of Health is sponsoring a collaborative effort with Quality Partners of Rhode Island, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island , United Healthcare of New England, Brown University Medical School, Coastal Medical, Lifespan and Rhode Island Health Center Association.

WHAT: This team of health care providers known as the "Collaborative Congress" has pioneered a national model of care. National and local experts will discuss the diabetes epidemic in Rhode Island and what the Collaborative is doing to address systems issues and improve standards of care. At this important statewide meeting for diabetes care you will hear about improved care, better teaching and follow-up, better coordination of care for persons with chronic diseases.

WHY: There is a diabetes epidemic in Rhode Island with 78,000 people who either have diabetes or pre-diabetes. This epidemic continues to grow annually. The Collaborative as a whole has seen 21.5 percent improvement in the quality of lives of diabetes patients implementing this model of care.

WHEN: Thursday, March 25, 2004 8:15 AM – 1:45 PM

WHERE: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick, RI