Type 1 Diabetes Program

The Type 1 Diabetes Support Group, aka Chiricahua Chihuahuas, was started in March 2012. When I started working for CCHCI in 2010, it was very apparent that most of the children and their families living in Cochise County were not tied to the support systems and opportunities that exist for children living in larger cities. Now after 6 years, we have over 25 members who meet every 3 months to support each other and learn more about adapting to the challenges of living with this chronic illness. We also participate in local and national efforts to help raise funding and awareness as we get closer to finding a cure! – Darlene Melk

At Chiricahua, we seek to lessen the burden on children and their families living with type 1 diabetes by providing close clinical follow-up, support group opportunities, and community education. Clinical Care We believe that close follow-up with your primary care provider and extra support from one of our behavioral health providers and/or registered dietitians is important for improved health with diabetes. These visits supplement regular follow-up with Endocrinology specialists. Since pediatric endocrinologists are only located in Tucson, AZ, we have made efforts to connect patients locally with these specialists either via telemedicine (Banner UMC) or in person in our Sierra Vista pediatric office (TMC One). Support Group Our support group is open to anyone living with type 1 diabetes in Cochise County. Every quarter, we meet locally (Douglas, Sierra Vista, or Bisbee) for a social event. Every October, we send a team (the “Chiricahua Chihuahuas”) to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Walk for a Cure in Tucson, AZ. For additional information regarding our clinical services, support group or community education opportunities, please contact Angelica Lopez at: 520-364-5437 x3514 or anlopez@cchci.org.

Locations

Benson

Benson Family Health Center

335 S. Ocotillo Ave, Benson, AZ 85602
520-586-4040