Diabetes : Northern Diabetes Health Network

The Ministry of Health established the Northern Diabetes Health Network (NDHN) in October 1992 to address the high rate of the disease and lack of services for it in Northern Ontario. The network now funds 39 adult diabetes education programs in large and small northern communities as well as 34 pediatric programs across the province. Regional offices in Thunder Bay and Burlington support and oversee services.

The ministry approved funding for the NDHN to help people with diabetes and their families better manage the condition and reduce hospitalizations. The main component of the NDHN is to assess and improve the care that clients receive by fostering a culture of quality throughout the two networks of care.

The network's board of directors is made up of 11 members who are recruited and selected by a nominating committee. They represent northern consumers and health care providers, including aboriginals and francophones.

The NDHN's mission is to ensure that people with diabetes and their families have reasonable access to programs and services to improve their quality of life. Programs in Northern Ontario provide services to a significant number of people with diabetes. More than 90 % of children with diabetes and their families are now accessing services in the province.

The NDHN programs of the First Nations Committee share best practices and work to ensure that services meet the unique cultural needs of their population.

NDHN has funded curriculum development for a two-year college course to train diabetes educators and now receive registrants from across Canada. The course is offered through the northern Ontario colleges.

Cat. No. 4129632