The diabetes journey can present challenges but free programs like Project VyBE make the voyage easier.
The Paso del Norte Health Foundation partners with the Texas A&M University Colonias Program, a diabetes initiative grantee, to offer Project VyBE. This new program helps participants, primarily residents of El Paso County colonias, learn to manage their diabetes while dealing with various factors that may impact their lives.
Project VyBE trains regionally certified Community Health Workers (CHW) as diabetes education coaches. The CHW then works to establish relationships with individuals wanting to improve their diabetic condition or prevent the onset of the disease. Once a relationship is developed, the CHW helps navigate participants to local medical services. As a follow-up to primary care, Project VyBE encourages people to modify their lifestyles and manage diabetes. The program also promotes early detection of diabetes symptoms and offers awareness and education through friendly, non-intimidating “Talks” in group settings to those in need.