Jose's Story
May 24, 2021Championing Health Care for All
Lessons in Diabetes Management
For José, the color red means more than a bold, bright color. In foods such as apples, the color red now signal the presence of specific nutrients that are even more important to his health since he was diagnosed with diabetes. At his Holy Cross Health Center’s free, two-hour Diabetes Survival Skills class, José learned that choosing from a complete “rainbow of foods” ensures he will consume a complete spectrum of essential nutrients and vitamins. José also learned about portion sizes and hidden sugars in soft drinks and processed foods, as well as how to test for high blood sugar and manage his A1C blood-sugar “score.”
People living with diabetes and other chronic conditions—including people who face financial barriers— are learning how to improve their overall health and life, thanks to Holy Cross Health’s coordinated outreach, care, and classes.
“I have more energy for work and fewer worries about my health," said Jose. "The classes have been a blessing.”
The Diabetes Survival Skills class is available at all four Holy Cross Health Centers, which care for uninsured adults, as well as Medicaid-qualifying patients. At José’s Holy Cross Health Center in Aspen Hill, the class is taught in Spanish by diabetes educator Lourdes Nuñez, RN. Lourdes empowers chronic disease patients with knowledge. “I teach my students,” she says, “that diabetes is a disease they can control themselves.”
After the health center’s class, José wanted to learn more. Lourdes recommended our free six-week Holy Cross Health Diabetes SelfManagement Program, which is held in various locations throughout Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, including faith communities. The class and program together have changed the course of José’s health.
José had initially learned about these programs when he had visited Holy Cross Hospital’s Emergency Center. He felt awful and wasn’t sure why. He learned why during his visit: high blood sugar, indicating diabetes. Even before he was discharged, the Emergency Center team connected José with his nearest Holy Cross Health Center. There, the care managers, navigators, and other team members agreed José would benefit from diabetes-management education.
Acting on all he has learned, José has lost 10 pounds, his blood-sugar score is down, and he has been able to reduce his medication dose. Instead of facing worsening diabetes symptoms, he says, “I have more energy for work and fewer worries about my health. The classes have been a blessing.”
Working Together for the Health of Chronic Disease Patients
After taking a close look at the health needs of the many in our community who have chronic conditions such as diabetes—one of the top 10 leading causes of death in Montgomery County—Holy Cross Health made chronic disease education a high priority.
That’s why we’re making it easier for all who have a chronic disease to manage their health—regardless of their financial circumstances—through innovative partnerships and quality services that include:
- Montgomery Cares, a consortium of clinics, hospitals, health services, and volunteer practitioners providing medical care for uninsured, low-income residents, in partnership with Montgomery County and the Primary Care Coalition.
- Four Holy Cross Health Centers, serving community members who are uninsured or enrolled in the HealthChoice program through Maryland Physicians Care, a Maryland Medicaid-managed care organization partly owned by Holy Cross Health.
- Nexus Montgomery’s specialty care referral program, serving low-income, uninsured individuals who have been recently hospitalized. A collaboration with all of the hospitals in Montgomery County and Project Access.
- Holy Cross Health’s Faith Community Nurse Program, whose nurse leaders are providing consultation, mentoring, and resources to support faith communities throughout our region in the development of intentional, holistic health ministries.
- Holy Cross Health’s community health programs for all, offering dozens of classes throughout Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, in partnership with the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County.
- University of Maryland students of nursing, pharmacy, and social work, supporting the health needs of complex patients at the Holy Cross Health Center in Gaithersburg.
- Generous donors to the Holy Cross Health Foundation’s Kevin J. Sexton Fund to Increase Access and Improve Community Health—named for Holy Cross Health’s former president and chief executive officer—providing medical and non-medical support to community members in financial need.