Medical care costs for diabetes associated with health disparities among adult Medicaid enrollees in North Carolina.

Background: Health disparities for many diseases are large and long-standing in North Carolina and the nation. This study examines medical care costs for diabetes associated with health disparities among adults (age, > or =78 years) enrolled in Medicaid in North Carolina during state fiscal year (SFY) 2007-2008 (i.e.

Community health ambassadors: a model for engaging community leaders to promote better health in North Carolina.

Despite public health efforts to address burden of diseases within communities such as diabetes, health disparities remain. Traditional lay health advisor models help address these issues. Yet, few, if any, have a statewide focus that includes education credit and involves broad-based partnerships.