About the MATCH grant and how each of us can make an impact
Nov 16, 2023, 11:51 AM
ADCES recently received a $50 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in partnership with Emory Centers for Public Health Training and Technical Assistance (Emory Centers), that over the next five years will support the advancement of health equity for underserved populations that are at risk of developing diabetes or currently have the condition. The grant, being referred to as MATCH (Mobilizing Access Through Capacity Building and Health Equity), will serve as a major advancement toward increasing accessibility to diabetes prevention and education programs.
MATCH seeks to identify and find solutions for the health disparities that we already know exist across the country. As diabetes care and education specialists, we know that the rate of diabetes in the U.S. is only increasing, and many of those most significantly impacted are a part of marginalized communities. We also know that different communities face different barriers based on racial and ethnic makeup, general socioeconomic status, access to health care facilities, and much more.
Through MATCH, ADCES and Emory Centers will work with 77 organizations across the country (including ADCES itself) who will be looking at specific populations and implementing strategies that will address their unique barriers and needs. ADCES will play a pivotal role in advancing these strategies by fostering a network of subject matter experts, as well as providing training and technical assistance.
MATCH was inspired by the power of connecting and the importance of bridging gaps between different communities. Think of the feeling of gathering around a campfire with likeminded people who are passionate about this work. That’s the feeling ADCES and Emory want to invoke with this project. The mission of MATCH is twofold—addressing barriers that exist today, and moving the needle on policies that can remove those barriers in the future.
Although the grant work will focus on the 77 entities awarded funding, even those not directly involved with the project can affect change. Here are a few ways you as a DCES can make an impact:
- On a patient level, have conversations with the people with diabetes that you work with to see what barriers may be keeping them from managing their condition.
- Volunteer in the community with organizations that promote health equity.
- Advocate for policies that support the advancement of health equity and inclusivity for those with diabetes.
For more information on the exciting works to come through MATCH, listen to the latest episode of The Huddle.