Caring for Tahlequah
A Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Program
This is a program offered to the aging and disabled adults living within Tahlequah, Cherokee County, Oklahoma with a diagnosis of diabetes, arthritis, or other chronic conditions. Cherokee County Health Services Council, the lead agency has partnered with Northeastern Oklahoma Community Health Community Centers, Cherokee County Health Coalitions, and the Tahlequah BEST Coalition to form a network of providers focused on aging/disabled adults with chronic conditions.
Delivering an evidence-based CDSME program in Tahlequah that is supported by a strong infrastructure of community-based organizations and multiple coalitions serving area residents. These coalitions include people of all ages within their respective service populations. With increased awareness and education, individual members of the coalitions can form the backbone of a network of providers supporting aging and disabled adults.
The Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSME) programs have demonstrated significant, measurable improvements in health and quality of life for people with chronic conditions, including considerable improvements in health status, self-efficacy, and psychological well-being, increased physical activity, fewer social limitations, and reduced fatigue; and improved communications with their health care providers. CDSME Programming may offer elders and adults with disabilities hope for a better life.
The scheduling will consist of both virtual and in-person workshops to allow for ease in delivery and address access issues when necessary. Our staff will work with enrolled participants to ensure access and capacity to Zoom links. Participants without a computer or internet capacity will be loaned a tablet and internet hotspot for the duration of their program.
Cherokee County Health Services Council is committed to cooperating with any broader efforts by ACL and/or the National CDSME Resource Center and is committed to participating in any national evaluations of the programs for remote delivery.
