Specialty Programs
There are many different cultures and languages spoken within the Waterloo Wellington region. It is important to be able to understand how to manage diabetes and this can be very challenging if a person speaks another language. To support people with improved communication, the Kitchener Waterloo Multicultural Centre offers FREE interpretaion services to people living in this region.
This program offers interpretation services at no cost either in-person or over the phone.
There are programs and resources available for individuals with diabetes who may identify with the following types of programs.
Indigenous Programs and Resources
The Waterloo Wellington region is home to over 9,000 Indigenous residents, inclusive of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples. Our local Indigenous residents represent approximately 1.5% of the total population in our region.
The prevalence of diabetes in the Indigenous commmunity is three times the national prevalence. It is important that there are programs to support the specific needs of this group and to provide services that respect their health beliefs and approaches to care.
The following programs are available in this region:
Southern Ontario Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (SOADI)
This initiative is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care (MOHLTC) to provide programs and services focusing on education, prevention and management of diabtes in Aboriginal communities, both on and off-reserve.
SOADI values include:
- Respect for autonomy and diversity
- Community-based and responsive services
- Wholistic wellness (physical, spiritual, mental and emotional balance)
- A spirit of sharing and cooperation
- Personal choice and the right to privacy
For more information on SOADI DIabetes Education programs, visit soadi.weebly.com or phone 1-888-514-1370
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Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is funded by the Government of Ontario; Ministry of Health and Long Term Care; Ontario Health; and Ministry of Children and Youth Services. Placing culture and tradition at the core of all health and community development practices provides a space of safety and belonging where individuals, families and communities find meaning. |
SOAHAC’s Diabetes Education Services are for Indigenous adults (18+) living with Type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, or at high risk for developing diabetes. You do not need to have a doctor or nurse practitioner at SOAHAC for these services. The Diabetes Nurse Educator, Registered Dietitian, and Chiropodist (foot care specialist) can support you to live well with diabetes.
SOAHAC can help you prevent diabetes or diabetes complications by teaching you to manage your care through individual counselling and Healthy Lifestyles Workshops. They can also support caregivers. Follow-up is encouraged by the team at least every 3-6 months. Both education and follow-up support are offered in a variety of ways – by appointment, phone, or email. Call 1-877-454-0753, email [email protected] or click here for more information. |
For other resources or events in Waterloo Region, please visit Wellbeing Waterloo Region
Other resources to support you in understanding healthcare for Indigenous populations:
Indigenous Resources from diabetesbooks.ca, including First Nations Recipes Cookbook, Indigenous Healthy Eating Food Guide and Placemat
Ontario Aboriginal Diabetes Strategy
National Aboriginal Health Organization
French Programs and Resources
In partnership with the French Community Health Centre in Hamilton, some diabetes education programs in our region offer "Living Well with Diabetes" session in French through the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN).
These educational programs provide you with the tools and skills needed to properly self-manage your diabetes and enable you to live a healthy life. Sessions will focus on various topics led by health care professionals such as Certified Diabetes Educators and/or Registered Dietitians. Contact your local diabetes education program for more information about this program or watch our calendar of events page on our website.
The MOHLTC also offers health resources online. Click here for more resources.
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