Special Project:
Diabetes Program at World Disney World
The Diabetes Health Program at Walt Disney World (WDW) is a one year voluntary program sponsored by the Florida Health Care Coalition (FHCC). This project launched in November 2007. The following members contributed with the expertise respective of their fields: CIGNA Healthcare (disease management), Cognoscenti Health Institute (laboratory), Florida Hospital Division of Diabetes Educators (Education), PacifiCare Behavioral Health, Inc.(Behavioral health), and finally the Division of Endocrinology at the University of Florida (medical directors) and the Department of Pathology at the University of Florida (data protection and management).
A Call Center was created and is housed in the Department of Pathology at the University of Florida. A bilingual staff functions as the liaison between the medical staff, collaborators and the Disney Cast Members (employees at WDW).
This project assists Cast Members who are at risk of diabetes or who have diabetes by providing: laboratory screenings at no charge, four educational sessions, glucometer and test strips at no charge (for diabetics), personalized health coaching and mental health assistance if needed. Participants receive up to $200 to compensate them for their time and commitment.
Routine blood draws provide the Cast Members with monitored readings and researchers with statistics. Analyzed data yields sets of data on which to base conclusive evidence for the study which in the long run benefits the healthcare of the population at large.
This is a new beginning in the Pathology Department, and we hope to continue with similar and new projects aiming to promote better and healthier living.