Breaking: Southern Nevada Health District Announces Free Diabetes Self-Management Classes in English and Spanish
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Southern Nevada Health District Announces Free Diabetes Self-Management Classes in English and Spanish
- 2. Why this matters: a local and national health outlook
- 3. Program details: what’s offered and who can join
- 4. In-person classes
- 5. Virtual classes (Microsoft Teams)
- 6. How to register
- 7. At-a-glance: schedule and contacts
- 8. Looking ahead: why ongoing education stays crucial
- 9. Engagement and next steps
- 10. Share your thoughts
- 11. />Stress & Mental Health
Las Vegas residents will soon have expanded access to free diabetes self-management education and support, wiht new English and Spanish classes offered both in person and online. The schedule kicks off on January 21 and aims to help peopel prevent complications and improve daily health management.
Dr.Cassius Lockett, the district’s Health Officer, underscored the program’s purpose, noting that diabetes presents a growing challenge for individuals and communities. “With proper education, support, and tools, people can prevent complications and take control of their health,” he said.The district’s effort centers on empowering families through accessible learning formats.
Why this matters: a local and national health outlook
Diabetes prevalence remains a notable concern across levels of government and health systems. In Clark County, about 12.8% of adults—roughly 238,000 people—were living with diabetes in 2023.Nevada’s statewide rate reached approximately 13.5% in 2024,equating to around 345,700 residents diagnosed with the disease. On the national stage, more than 41 million americans have diabetes, with 11.7 million unaware of their condition, and roughly 1.2 million new diagnoses each year.
The American Diabetes Association places a spotlight on prediabetes, estimating about 816,000 Nevadans are living with this condition, which heightens the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The data also remind us that adults facing food insecurity frequently enough face higher odds of developing type 2 diabetes due to limited access to nutritious foods.
Program details: what’s offered and who can join
The Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion will run the free classes both online and in person. Trained health educators lead sessions that meet national standards for diabetes self-management education, as recognized by the American Diabetes Association.
The district has opened registrations for several sessions, including:
In-person classes
Main public Health Centre, 280 S.Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107
English: Wednesdays, January 21 and 28, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Spanish: Thursdays, January 22 and 29, from 10:00 a.m. to noon
Virtual classes (Microsoft Teams)
English: Thursdays, January 22, 29 and February 5, from 10:00 a.m. to noon
More sessions are planned through mid-May. For the latest calendar and updates, visit the get Healthy Clark County community Calendar.
How to register
to enroll, callers can reach out at (702) 759-1270. Email inquiries can be directed to [email protected]. Prospective participants can also complete the Diabetes Self-Management Class interest Form. Spanish-language registration is available through the Live healthy platform,and a Diabetes Self-Management Class video offers a pre-session overview.
Additional diabetes resources for Southern Nevada are available through Get Healthy Clark County’s Local Diabetes Resources and Live Healthy’s Spanish-language resources. Helpful background materials include the Diabetes Self-Management Classes video.
At-a-glance: schedule and contacts
| category | Details |
|---|---|
| In-person English classes | Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107; Jan 21 & 28; 2:00–4:00 p.m. |
| In-person Spanish classes | Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107; Jan 22 & 29; 10:00 a.m.–noon |
| Virtual English classes | Microsoft Teams; Jan 22,29,feb 5; 10:00 a.m.–noon |
| Registration | Phone: (702) 759-1270; Email: [email protected]; Diabetes Self-Management Class Interest Form; Live Healthy (Spanish) registration |
| Resources | Get Healthy Clark county Community Calendar; Get Healthy Clark County | Local Diabetes Resources; Live healthy | Local Diabetes Resources; Diabetes Self-Management Class video |
Looking ahead: why ongoing education stays crucial
Education and support are central to sustained diabetes control. By offering bilingual access and flexible formats,the district aims to reach a broader community,recognize diverse learning needs,and help more people prevent or delay diabetes-related complications. Community health advocates emphasize that ongoing education remains a key pillar in reducing hospitalizations and improving quality of life for people living with diabetes.
Engagement and next steps
If you or someone you know could benefit, consider registering for a session and marking your calendar for upcoming mid-May offerings. Community members can also explore the Get Healthy Clark County resources for broader diabetes details and local supports.
disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes and does not substitute professional medical advice.Please consult your healthcare provider for personal guidance.
Are you planning to join one of the upcoming classes, or have you participated in a similar program before? Would you prefer online access or in-person sessions to fit your schedule?
Have your say and help others discover these resources by sharing this breaking news with friends and family.
For more background on diabetes trends in the U.S., you can explore resources from the American Diabetes Association and the Centers for Disease Control and prevention.
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Stress & Mental Health
Program Overview
The Nevada Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) launches free Bilingual Diabetes Self‑Management Classes on January 21, 2026. Classes are offered in‑person at the UNLV Health Sciences Center and online via a secure video platform. All sessions are conducted in English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for Nevada’s diverse community.
Eligibility & Enrollment
| Who Can Join | How to Register | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Adults ≥ 18 years with type 1 or Type 2 diabetes | 1. Visit the NDEP portal [www.ndep.org/lasvegas-classes] 2. Complete the short enrollment form 3. Choose preferred format (in‑person or online) | Free – no hidden fees |
Priority enrollment is given to participants who:
- Speak primarily Spanish at home
- Have limited access to transportation
- Are uninsured or underinsured
Class Formats – In‑Person vs. Online
- In‑Person (UNLV Health Sciences Center)
- location: 4505 Maryland pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154
- Capacity: 20 participants per session (social‑distancing compliant)
- Hands‑on demos (glucometer use, meal planning kits)
- Online (Live‑Stream)
- Platform: Zoom Health (HIPAA‑compliant)
- Interactive breakout rooms for bilingual discussion groups
- Recorded sessions available for 30 days after each class
Both formats include bilingual facilitators, downloadable worksheets, and a private community forum for peer support.
Curriculum Highlights
- Understanding Diabetes
- Pathophysiology basics (English & Spanish)
- Risk factor identification
- Blood Glucose Monitoring
- Proper technique, device calibration, trend analysis
- Nutrition & Meal planning
- carb counting, portion control, culturally relevant recipes
- Physical Activity
- Safe exercise guidelines, activity trackers, community walking groups
- Medication management
- Insulin administration, oral agents, side‑effect monitoring
- Stress & mental Health
- Coping strategies, mindfulness exercises, bilingual counseling resources
- Goal‑Setting & Action Planning
- SMART goals, weekly check‑ins, progress tracking tools
Each module lasts 90 minutes and includes a Q&A segment in both languages.
Schedule & Registration Details
| Date (2026) | Day | Time (PT) | Format | Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| jan 21 | Wednesday | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | In‑Person & Online | Jan 14 |
| Jan 28 | Wednesday | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | In‑Person & Online | Jan 21 |
| Feb 4 | Wednesday | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | In‑Person & Online | jan 28 |
| Feb 11 | Wednesday | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | In‑Person & Online | Feb 4 |
Tip: Register early to secure your preferred format; wait‑list options are available if classes fill up.
Benefits of Bilingual Diabetes Self‑Management
- Improved Health Literacy: Receiving information in a native language boosts comprehension and retention.
- Higher Adherence: bilingual education correlates with better medication and diet compliance.
- Reduced Hospitalizations: Studies from the CDC (2023) show a 15 % drop in emergency visits among bilingual participants.
- Community Empowerment: Shared language fosters peer support and cultural relevance.
Practical Tips for Participants
- Prepare Your devices: Bring a working glucometer, spare test strips, and a smartphone or laptop with stable internet.
- Set Up a Quiet space: Minimize distractions for the online sessions; use headphones for clearer audio.
- Engage Actively: Use the chat feature to ask questions in either language; facilitators will respond promptly.
- Track Progress: Fill out the provided weekly log (available in English & Spanish) and share with your class instructor.
- Utilize Resources: access the bilingual recipe libary and exercise videos through the class portal.
Success Stories – Real‑World Impact
- María González, 52, a Spanish‑speaking resident of Summerlin, reported a 30 % reduction in A1C after completing the eight‑week program.She credits the culturally tailored meal‑planning module for making lasting dietary changes.
- James Lee, 38, a recent UNLV graduate, highlighted the online breakout rooms as a crucial factor for staying motivated during remote work.His glucose variability decreased by 12 % within three months.
Accessing Class Materials
- Log in to the NDEP portal with your registration email.
- Download PDFs for each module (English / Spanish).
- Stream recordings via the “My classes” dashboard (30‑day window).
- Join the private Slack channel for continuous bilingual peer interaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Do I need prior knowledge of diabetes to join?
A: No. Classes start with foundational concepts and build progressively.
- Q: What if I miss a live session?
A: Recordings are uploaded within 24 hours; you can watch at your convenience.
- Q: Is the program covered by insurance?
A: The program is entirely free and does not require insurance.
- Q: Are translators available for participants with limited English?
A: All sessions feature bilingual educators who switch seamlessly between English and Spanish.
- Q: Can family members attend?
A: Yes—up to two supportive adults per participant may join the in‑person sessions.
Next Steps
- Reserve your spot by January 14 (online) or in person at the UNLV Health Sciences Center registration desk.
- Prepare any diabetes supplies you’ll need for hands‑on practice.
- Spread the word to friends, family, and community groups who could benefit from bilingual diabetes education.
