Bad News, Diabetes.

America’s largest private diabetes practice chooses Spark for several major initiatives. The mission: Save lives by raising awareness.

It’s estimated that over six million Americans have diabetes but don’t know it.  Millions more are “pre-diabetic” meaning that they are very likely to develop diabetes in the future.   The sooner these individuals can receive treatment, make lifestyle changes and educate themselves, the greater their chance of leading happier, healthier and longer lives.  Someone needs to get through to them.

To raise awareness among diabetics and pre-diabetics in our area and beyond, America’s largest private diabetes practice, Northeast Florida Endocrine and Diabetes Associates (NEFEDA), has brought in Spark Inc.

Among the first tasks for Spark is spreading the word about the practice’s Behavioral Health Services.  It’s the first program of its kind in the world.  Until now, diabetes practices have focused solely on addressing the physical ramifications of the disease.   Now, with Behavioral Health Services from NEFEDA, patients can receive truly comprehensive care than includes help dealing with the often overwhelming psychological effects of diabetes. Patients can also receive counseling on how to develop a mindset that empowers them to make critical lifestyle changes.

“This initiative is really about prevention,” says Dr. Melissa Roffman, the psychologist heading up NEFEDA’s behavioral health department. “There are over 50 million individuals nationwide who are at high-risk of diabetes or are what we call ‘pre-diabetic’. There are also many diabetics who can prevent their symptoms from becoming much worse. A combination of education and behavior modification can improve countless lives around the country and right here on the First Coast.”

Spark will be helping NEFEDA re-brand their practice and raise awareness through a new website launching later this summer. Educational print materials, public relations initiatives and more are in the works, as well.  We’re honored to have been selected by the amazing team at NEFEDA and we’re looking forward to exciting things in the months ahead.  (We’ll keep you posted!)