Photo: Axis’ Durango Integrated Healthcare staff members, left to right, included Diabetes Educator Lisa Messerli, RD, Nurse Manager Rachel Wentling, Patient Experience Specialist Anita Lopez, Medical Assistant Nichole Riffle, and Nurse Practitioner Melissa Briggs in Durango, Colorado.
The ADA’s Education Recognition Program certification ensures quality diabetes education and support for people living with diabetes.
Durango, Colo. – The Axis Health System diabetes self-management education program in its Southwest Colorado integrated clinics has been awarded continued Recognition from the American Diabetes Association. This program, offered in Axis’ Durango, Cortez, Dove Creek, and Pagosa Springs clinics, is led by a team of highly skilled professionals. Lisa Messerli, MS, RD, CDCES, a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator, leads the program with her expertise alongside Kim Ayres, RD, CDCES, and David Kitley, PharmD, who bring their wealth of knowledge to the program.
The ADA Education Recognition effort is a voluntary process that assures that approved education programs have met the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs. Programs that achieve Recognition status have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide state-of-the-art information about diabetes management for participants.
Learning to manage diabetes is a key part of treatment. By sticking to the National Standards, we offer more comprehensive education to those living with diabetes. Our certified education programs cover understanding diabetes, nutritional advice, physical activity tips, info about medication, and more. We help you prevent and tackle complications, set goals, solve problems, and adjust psychologically. For those who are pregnant or plan to be, our program gives details on care before conception, during pregnancy, and managing gestational diabetes, offering a brighter outlook for your health.
Empowering patients through top-notch education is at the heart of our Education Recognition program. Leveraging the backing of a dedicated healthcare team and their expanding understanding of diabetes, patients can take significant control over their diabetes management. By fostering self-management education, not only can we curb unnecessary hospital visits but also ward off acute and chronic complications that come with diabetes. Programs like this put the power back in the hands of a person living with diabetes so they are not just managing diabetes but mastering it.
“At Axis, we know that learning how to manage your health conditions can make a huge difference in combating diabetes. Such education, paired with steadfast support, is a critical part of today’s diabetes care. We’re excited to include these vital elements in the complete care we offer,” said Axis Medical Director Dr. Jill Rimmey.
To learn more or make an appointment at one of Axis’ locations in Southwest Colorado, visit us online: https://www.axishealthsystem.org/locations/.
###
About Axis Health System:
Axis Health System is a Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and trusted name in providing quality healthcare across Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, San Juan, Montrose, Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, San Miguel, and Ouray counties in Colorado. As a compassionate, inclusive, and professional health service provider, Axis provides access to a wide array of primary care, mental health, substance use, oral health, pharmacy, and crisis services. Our organization is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our communities and providing quality, accessible health care that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients.
For media inquiries, please contact Haley Leonard Saunders, Public Information Officer, hleonard@axishealthsystem.org