Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL
The Road to Understanding and Eliminating Health Disparities: The Florida Hospital Journey

Background: In 2011, a community health study revealed a prevalence of diabetes in Eatonville, FL of 24%, three times the national rate and twice the national prevalence for African Americans who comprise most of Eatonville’s population. As a result, Healthy Central Florida, a group created by Florida Hospital and the Winter Park Health Foundation, worked with Eatonville leaders and residents to support the creation of Healthy Eatonville Place (HEP), a diabetes education and research center with objectives to provide resources for prevention, early diagnosis, and support for diabetes.

Methods: The first step in creation of the diabetes education and research center was the completion of a health risk assessment study to characterize individual risk factors and characteristics of the Eatonville community. Classes focusing on promotion of exercise, nutrition, and diabetes counseling were provided.

Results: The health risk assessment revealed that 67% of respondents were female, the average age was 54.2 years, and 89% identified as black/African American. In terms of health disparities, 48% reported some degree of food insecurity, 58% were unemployed, 32% were uninsured, and 32% had not seen a healthcare provider other than in the ED during the past year. A total of 3,924 visits to HEP occurred from March 2015 through March 2016. A comparison of Florida Hospital participants before and after enrollment in the HEP program showed a decrease in their number of total ED visits but an increase in the number of admissions from ED visits.

Conclusion: HEP had a positive impact on community diabetes education and improved access to healthcare services.