Q: WHAT IS PA cAARds!?
Q: WHAT MAKES PA cAARds! IMPORTANT?
A: PA cAARds! is a statewide training and implementation initiative that
A: Diabetes and tobacco use are a dangerous combination; tobacco use
trains you in a brief intervention and referral process developed to pro-
increases insulin resistance, negatively impacts diabetes control and
actively address the dual risks of unmanaged diabetes and tobacco use.
increases diabetes-related complications. Due to the complex and over-
This process maximizes utilization of regional and statewide resources
whelming relationship between diabetes and tobacco use/exposure,
as well as guides you through the steps of the implementation process.
addressing the harmful impact requires an integrated approach that
PA cAARds! is the first integrated intervention of its kind in Pennsylvania,
emphasizes communication across disciplines.
and a unique collaborative effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Diabetes and Tobacco Prevention and Control Programs.
Q: HOW DOES PA cAARds! WORK?
A: PA cAARds! implements an integrated process through which diaQ: WHO IS PA cAARds! DESIGNED FOR?
betes and tobacco professionals learn to use a brief intervention pro-
A: PA cAARds! is designed for diabetes and tobacco control profes-
cess to cross refer their clients and patients to diabetes education/
sionals and paraprofessionals. Diabetes professionals and paraprofes-
self-management and tobacco cessation services. PA cAARds! uses the
sionals do not need to be tobacco cessation providers nor do tobacco
Ask, Advise, Refer model, which incorporates three of the “5 A’s” (Ask,
professional and paraprofessionals need to be diabetes educators.
Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange), an evidence-based behavioral change
Instead, you can use the brief Ask, Advise, Refer intervention to link
and health modification approach into an abbreviated intervention that
your patients and clients to existing services for tobacco cessation and
remains consistent with recommended guidelines.
diabetes management and education.