The Hormone Foundation has identified the need for a comprehensive Web site dedicated to those providing care to people with diabetes. This innovative Web site, Diabetes Caregiver Central (DCC), will be a one-stop source of reliable information for caregivers by providing access to helpful experts and a network for connecting the estimated 3.5 million caregivers in the U.S. caring for people with diabetes.

In collaboration with the National Caregiving Alliance (NCA), The Hormone Foundation will conduct a web-based survey of 1,000+ caregivers in order to understand diabetes caregivers’ needs and to identify resources that can support them.

The results of the survey and the launch of DCC will be announced in June 2009 in conjunction with ENDO and through a national media campaign that will include:

• TV and Radio Satellite Media Tour - approximately 9 million media impressions 
• Press Releases
• Series of Desk-side Briefings
• Online Promotion
• Advertising
  

In order to create a dynamic and participatory web community, The Hormone Foundation will use the results of the online survey to develop and manage the DCC Web site utilizing a variety of online tools including:

• “My DCC” to personalize content
• “Ask-an-expert” feature 
• Quarterly Newsletter
• Interactive calendar
• Web chats 
• Classifieds sections provide a practical tool to those needing services or products related to diabetes care
• Social network aspects (as seen in MySpace and Facebook) 
• Streaming videos and pod casts 
• Content and online tools related to diet, exercise, records management and medication management
• User forums where caregivers can share tips and stories

The Foundation is currently developing a proposal and identifying partner organizations and vendors to develop and maintain the educational components of this program. Contact Teresa Favero at 301-941-0229 or tfavero@endo-society.org for information about supporting this exciting new initiative.