Saint Francis Hospital Earns Recognition from the American Diabetes Association
May 21, 2026HARTFORD, Conn. – Saint Francis Hospital has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) for providing quality education and support for patients living with diabetes. The ADA, the nation’s leading organization committed fighting diabetes, and its Education Recognition Program (ERP), honored diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services at Saint Francis and at Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group locations in Enfield and Prospect.
The ADA’s Education Recognition Program certification ensures quality diabetes education and support for people living with diabetes.
The ADA’s ERP certificate assures that educational services meet the National Standards for DSMES. The corresponding intervention provided is evidence-based and outcome driven. ADA-ERP recognition is valid for four years and services apply for recognition voluntarily.
“DSMES is an essential part of managing diabetes and is as effective as diabetes medication. Therefore, all people with diabetes benefit from it,” said Barbara Eichorst, MS, RD, CDCES, ADA Vice President of Health Programs. “We applaud Saint Francis Hospital for its commitment to providing value-based interventions such as DSMES, maximizing corresponding outcomes and patient experience."
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 40 million people in the United States with diabetes, with 11 million unaware they have the disease. Each day, nearly 3,300 Americans are diagnosed, with many first learning they have the disease when they are being treated for one of its life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve disease or amputation.
Since 1986, the ADA has been a national accrediting organization for DSMES. Evidence links participation in DSMES to positive changes in health behaviors and improved outcomes, including reduced onset or progression of diabetes-related complications, healthier meal planning, engagement in physical activity, weight management and fewer emergency department visits, hospital admissions and readmissions.