Collaboration in action

A neighborhood health center and a school of nursing in the southwest collaborated in a pilot project to offer two workshops for low-income, Hispanic diabetics. The collaboration process used participatory management and change theories, accepted and incorporated features of Hispanic culture, and fostered interpersonal relationships. The project enabled the center to augment its client education services while providing a teaching experience for nursing students. Through the workshops, clients gained knowledge and skills that enabled them to institute life-style changes in meal planning, medication management, exercise routines, and community involvement.