Program Helps Kaufman County Patients Manage Diabetes

KAUFMAN, Texas - Ollie Moore needed medical treatment at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Kaufman in 2023 after experiencing complications from diabetes. That hospital stay was the beginning of a journey to a healthier life that he navigated through the Healthy Education Lifestyles Program (HELP).

"It was amazing," said Moore, a Seagoville resident who turned 65 in August. "HELP gave me the resources I needed to improve my health. I feel great now."

At the start of his journey, Moore's A1C results were higher than 10%. An average of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. He currently maintains a level of less than 6.5%.

HELP provides community-based clinical care, resources and education. HELP assists uninsured patients 18 or older who are trying to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The program includes an individual visit with an advanced practice provider with necessary lab testing; an education session; and a support group, which is crucial for establishing and ensuring accountability for improved health.

"I tell patients, 'You're here for the journey to get better,'" said Aida Fares Massaad, M.S.N., FNP-BC, who treats patients at Texas Health Kaufman's HELP clinic. "This is not a visit where I give patients medication and send them away. They actively engage in their care."

Fares helps patients understand how healthy eating and exercise impacts their lives. She teaches them how to manage their chronic conditions. For example, with patients with diabetes, she explains that A1C blood tests reflect the average blood glucose level over a three-month period and stresses the importance of knowing how to interpret the results.

Jason Luckey, 45, a Kaufman County resident, also received help managing his diabetes after an Emergency Department visit at Texas Health Kaufman in 2024. His A1C level was greater than 14% at the time.

"It spooked me," said Luckey, explaining that his mother died from diabetes complications. With HELP, Luckey's health has improved. His last A1C average was 6.4%.

"I reversed my diabetes," Luckey said. "I put in a lot of work. Aida's coaching and hands-on approach helped me. I'm not afraid anymore."

There are HELP locations at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Alliance, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Azle and Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford.

The Texas Health Community Resource Center, located on the Texas Health Allen campus, offers similar chronic disease management support among other services. Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth also has a similar program that is called the Health and Wellness Clinic. At Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, a similar outpatient service is available at the Chronic Illness Clinic.

"We believe in supporting healthy lifestyles," said Toya White, J.D., MBA, M.S.N., APRN, FNP-C, FACHE, president and CNO of Texas Health Kaufman and president of Texas Health Hospital Forney. "HELP provides guidance and education tools that help foster healthier communities, and it is a great example of how we develop programs that improve health outcomes."

For more information about Texas Health Kaufman's HELP program, call 972-932-5238.