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The Visiting Nurse Service of New York hosted its annual diabetes workshop, “Bridging the Gap: Caring for Minority Populations With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus,” Oct. 29 at the New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury.

Using an “it takes a village” approach to helping patients of varied cultures manage their diabetes, the conference included speakers from VNSNY’s multidisciplinary staff who offered presentations on topics such as medication management, symptoms and strategies for the hearing impaired with diabetes, functional considerations using occupational therapy for the diabetic patient, and the cultural aspects of diabetes care and how to work effectively with different cultures.

To complement the presentations, table displays were set up so attendees could get a feel for the many assistive devices available to help patients better manage their diabetes. In addition, members of the American Diabetes Association were on hand to answer questions regarding nutrition and disease management and offered informative materials on their display tables.

Because of its School of Health Professions, which includes programs in nursing and occupational and physical therapy, NYIT was the optimal choice to hold a multidisciplinary conference. “We’ve had a relationship with NYIT for a number of years now,” says Mari Moriarty, RN, MA, manager of college relations for VNSNY.

Attendees included students from health disciplines and those who have established careers. “A strong relationship is necessary between academics and service,” says Susan M. Neville, RN, PhD, chairperson for the department of nursing at NYIT. “These programs help us to get the word out in the most cost-effective way.”

For information, contact Moriarty at 212-609-7957 or NursingSpecialEvents@vnsny.org.

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Tracey Boyd is a regional reporter. To comment, e-mail editorNY@nursingspectrum.com.

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