This grant features a request for a pilot program which addresses diabetes education and monitoring.

Comments from Ruby Terry, Executive Director, United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, Inc., from The Grantseeker's Guide to Winning Proposals:

In writing this proposal for Bee a Diva coaching and support sessions, the organization addressed two key issues: education about the disease and monitoring of the disease. Most impressive about the proposed program is the fact that it moves beyond education to also provide diabetes monitoring supplies for the duration of the program for participants who have no health insurance. It was particularly helpful that the agency identified their three main program areas in the organizational description section as an early definition of the three grant parameters: patient education and services, funding of local diabetes research, and youth programs. Under each heading a clear and concise definition was provided, and in several instances the number of individuals served was also provided. This was an excellent way to indicate the scope of their work. The problem statement provided factual and statistical data for Ohio regarding the increase in the incidence of diabetes, the causes, and the most vulnerable populations by race and gender.

This was an excellent presentation of pertinent information and need justification. The project goals and objectives were quantitatively presented in terms of coaching sessions and recruitment of African-American women with diabetes to participate in the coaching and group sessions; data will facilitate calculating outcome measurement. Evaluation measurements were clearly stated for breakdown of attendees, number of sessions attended, number of blood glucose meters distributed and self-reported diabetes management over the project period. Especially commendable is the fact that results from the evaluations will be tabulated and used to determine if any changes need to be made during the eight-month period.