New York State Academy of Family Physicians

Diabetes prevalence in New York State has doubled since 1994 and is expected to grow; 1.8 million New Yorkers suffer from diabetes and 4.2 million have prediabetes.

To address this crisis, the New York Health Foundation (NYHealth) invested in a $35 million diabetes campaign with the goal of reversing the epidemic. The New York State Diabetes Campaign focuses on improving clinical care and patient outcomes; mobilizing communities to prevent diabetes and support diabetes self-management; and promoting policies that sustain comprehensive and effective care for people with diabetes. To advance the Campaign’s clinical goals among family practitioners, NYHealth funded the New York State Academy of Family Physicians (the Academy) to provide its member physicians and their practices with the information and technical assistance needed to improve the care and outcomes of their patients with diabetes.

Under the first grant, the Academy was successful in recruiting physicians to participate in the Campaign’s activities, enlisting 70 physicians and providing valuable input into the Campaign’s overall recruitment strategy. Its efforts in year one also supported 15 doctors in completing the National Committee for Quality Assurance Diabetes Recognition Program.

The Academy will focus on disseminating information about the Campaign, engaging physicians through its different venues, and promoting strategies to implement best practices among its peers.