news release

Treasure Coast Community Health has achieved the significant milestone of Diabetes Education Accreditation Program by the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES). Accreditation represents a high level of quality and service to the community, and the ability to better meet the needs of Medicare recipients and others affected by diabetes. TCCH is the only ADCES accredited diabetes program in the Treasure Coast area. 

Diabetes care at TCCH utilizes a collaborative process through which people with or at risk for diabetes work with a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) to receive individualized care. “The diabetes program within TCCH is patient centered and goal driven. It’s about us listening to what the patients want to accomplish and helping them reach their goals,” Colleen Symanski, TCCH CDCES, said. TCCH has the ability to offer a variety of avenues for patients to achieve optimal health with diabetes and is a covered Medicare benefit when delivered through an accredited program. 

According to the CDC, diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S., which does not sound drastic, however, “When you have diabetes, your complications for heart disease, [the leading cause of death], hypertension and stroke, [the fifth cause of death], significantly increase.” Symanski said.  

ADCES is a National Accredited Organization (NAO) for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). TCCH is a nonprofit, providing comprehensive, high-quality health care to more than 26,000 insured, underinsured and uninsured patients. TCCH, Indian River County’s only Federally Qualified Health Center, has eight locations providing medical, vision, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services. TCCH offers a sliding fee discount based on household income and family size. For more information, visit tcchinc.org or call 772-257-8224.