Adult Care Transition Program - Diabetes Hope Foundation

Rav Samra Bio

Rav Samra was diagnosed with type one diabetes when she was two years old.

Rav grew up knowing no one with diabetes and this inspired her to meet others with type one and support them. In 2013, Rav received a scholarship from the Diabetes Hope Foundation. She received her BASc in Occupational Health and Safety and HR Management certificate from Toronto Metropolitan University.

Since 2013, Rav has mentored type ones through DHF’s mentorship program. She has spoken at many webinars and in-person events. She is part of the Scholarship Advisory Committee and continues to support the development and execution of DHF’s programs.

Rav is a passionate advocate within the diabetes community. She was interviewed by CBC reflecting on the cost of insulin in Canada and authored a paper with T1International published by Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare.

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Adult Care Transition (ACT)
Program

Adult Care Transition (ACT) Program

Preparing for the next chapter in care

The transition to adult care is often overwhelming for youth living with T1D, which can negatively impact their self-management. Many youth do not know how to advocate for themselves in clinical settings, which has a huge impact on both their health (long-term and short-term) and mental health & well-being. Self-advocacy is a skill. The sooner youth start having conversations about their health needs, the sooner they can develop those skills.

Transition Workshops

Based on our Guide to Adult Care, DHF offers workshops for youth getting ready to transition from pediatric to adult care, addressing:

Knowing their rights & advocating for their health needs
Understanding the differences between pediatric and adult care
Preparing for adult care appointments
Establishing new boundaries with support networks
Finding their ideal healthcare team

Part 1: Youth Workshop, Adulting with Diabetes

In-person/virtual youth workshop for up to 12 transition-ready youth (aged 17+)
Facilitated by DHF staff and two volunteer peer leaders
All participants are invited to join the online support forum after the workshop

Part 2: Online Support Forum for Youth

All workshop participants are invited to join a Google Chat group led by their Peer Leaders
The space is intended for community building, with Peer Leaders posting periodic questions about participants’ adult care experiences/questions
Group will be invited to meet via Google Meet bi-monthly to connect and share experiences, concerns and successes
Support forum is monitored by DHF Staff

Part 3: Caregiver Workshop

In-person/virtual workshop for parents/caregivers
Covers what to expect in the adult care transition, with a focus on how to help their child become the leader in their health management while still supporting as needed (from DHF’s caregiver resource guide)

To learn more, youth/families can email [email protected]

Caregiver resource guide, T1D Caregiver Resource guide, T1D Caregiver resources, t1D Caregiver, T1D Parent resources

Generously supported by: