The Diabetes Education Center of the Midlands (DECM), a non-profit organization, was established in 1984 by health care professionals in conjunction with several Omaha hospitals. Since 1989, the Center has been nationally recognized by the American Diabetes Association for providing comprehensive education and training for Type I and Type II individuals.

Funding for our program is generously provided bycontributions, from bothfoundations and privateindividuals.

Staff:

DECM staff consists of a group of professional nurses, dieticians, endocrinologists and community health educators. They assist with all of our educational services, most serve on a part-time basis. We also benefit from our cadre of unpaid volunteers.

National Recognition:

Initially awarded by the American Diabetes Association in March 1989, DECM was the first diabetes education program in Nebraska recognized by the American Diabetes Association. Three year extensions awarded in August 1992, August 1995, August 1998, August 2001, August 2004, and August 2007.

Non-profit Status:

IRS Granted 501(c) (3) status in September 1984.

Expanded Facility:

In 2008, DECM relocated to the end cap of the Fredrick Square Shopping Center - increasing patient handling capacity.

Source of Funding:

As community-based health organization, DECM does not qualify for affiliation with United Way/CHAD. It receives no funding from the American Diabetes Association or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Our annual budget of approximately $500,000 is funded by the contributions from corporations and foundations, income from class tuition, proceeds from sales of diabetes books and supplies,and contributions from past beneficiaries of the program. Scholarships are available for patients not able to afford class tuition.