SHELTON, WA – The American Diabetes Association — the nation’s leading organization committed to fighting diabetes — has renewed and recognized Mason Health’s diabetes education program for another four years, through the association’s Education Recognition Program. Mason Health has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for Quality Diabetes Self-Management Education* and Support. Mason Health’s diabetes education program is administered through the District’s Diabetes Wellness & Dietitian Services department. The diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) service was originally recognized in 2001 and now sees approximately 800 patients per year at Mason Health.

“We are incredibly proud that Mason Health’s Diabetes Education program has once again earned recognition from the American Diabetes Association,” said Public Hospital District Commissioner Lori Brady. “This renewal reflects more than two decades of dedication by our Diabetes Wellness & Dietitian Services team to helping patients gain the knowledge, skills and support they need to successfully manage their diabetes and improve their overall health. This program continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout our community.”

Mason Health’s team of Diabetes Educators and Dietitians offer small-group classes and individual instruction for adults with Type 1 and 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes and gestational diabetes. The program is led by Sarah Fulkerson, RD, CDCES, Diabetes Wellness and Dietitian Services Supervisor. Fulkerson has been with Mason Health since 2006, starting in the role of clinical dietitian before becoming the department supervisor and program coordinator in 2022.  

“The Mason General Diabetes Wellness and Dietitian Services department is excited have the opportunity to continue to serve the community of Mason County,” Fulkerson said. “We all love what we do and enjoy helping our patients to achieve their goals.”

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. Services apply for recognition voluntarily and ADA-ERP recognition lasts for four years. 

“DSMES is essential part of managing diabetes and is as affective as diabetes medication. Therefore, all people with diabetes benefit from it,” said Barbara Eichorst, MS, RD, CDCES, the ADA’s vice president of health programs. “We applaud Mason Health for its commitment to providing value-based interventions such as DSMES, maximizing corresponding outcomes, and patient experience.” 

Mason Health’s Diabetes Wellness team assists patients with utilizing the latest diabetes-management technology including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring devices. The program maintains a 96 to 99 percent patient satisfaction rate. Interested individuals can also sign up for free quarterly newsletters, covering a variety of diabetes and health-related topics (if interested, email foundation@masongeneral.com to sign up).

More than 40 million people, or 12 percent of the US population, has diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each day, nearly 3,300 Americans are diagnosed with diabetes, and many will first learn they have diabetes when they are treated for one of its life-threatening complications: heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve disease, or amputation. 

All of Mason Health’s diabetes educators maintain diabetes-focused continuing education. The team consistently reviews and updates its curriculum and program. To learn more or to connect with the Mason Health Diabetes Wellness Team, visit https://www.masonhealth.com/services/diabetes or call 360-427-9543.

Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization whose mission is to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information, call the ADA at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. 

Mason Health, Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County is ISO 9001 Quality Management System certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. The Board of Hospital District Commissioners are Don Welander, President, Lori Brady, Secretary, and Pamela Schlauderaff, Trustee. Mason General Hospital and Mason Clinic are ENERGY STAR® certified and Mason Health is the recipient of one Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Award, three Partner for Change Awards, two Greening the Operating Room Awards, the Making Medicine Mercury Free Award, the 2025 Emerald Award, and the 2026 Greenhealth Champion Award. To learn more about Mason Health’s sustainability efforts, visit https://www.masonhealth.com/about/sustainability-environmental-stewardship. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties. For more information or to find a health care provider, visit www.masonhealth.com. To learn more about DNV, visit www.dnv.com/healthcare.