CareSource Grant
January 01, 2008
Wilson Hospital Foundation receives grant for diabetes education The Wilson Memorial Hospital Foundation recently received a $6,000 grant from the CareSource Foundation to aid in the development of the diabetes education program offered by Wilson's Diabetes Wellness Center.
CareSource Foundation
The CareSource Foundation provides opportunities to advance innovative solutions and address healthcare needs of the underserved through grants, outreach, medical expertise, strategic community partnerships and volunteerism. The funds will be used to provide financial assistance to those who cannot afford necessary diabetes medications or testing supplies on their own. Diabetes supplies can be costly and are not always covered by insurance. Some patients either do not have insurance or cannot afford the co-pay for the needed supplies. Patients that can not control the disease with diet management alone often develop serious complications without these medications and supplies.
3,900 with diabetes
Based on statistics from the Ohio Department of Health, it is estimated that Shelby County has 3,900 residents with diabetes. Of which 1,400 require insulin and 2,500 require oral medication to manage their diabetes. More than 700 of these residents do not have insurance or cannot afford the co-payment.
At this time, Wilson Memorial's diabetes education program has nearly 100 patients that can not afford the supplies or medications necessary to treat their diabetes. The grant funding from CareSource will help to provide diabetes medication for these individuals, thereby maintaining their health and offering an opportunity to improve their quality of life.
Education most effective
Patient education often is the most effective treatment for diabetes. Wilson hosts classes teaching lifestyle skills and strategies that help patients manage the disease; reducing the risk of serious complications, hospital admissions and chronic health problems. Wilson's Diabetes Wellness Center serves more than 800 men and women annually.
The diabetes classes offered at Wilson provide a comprehensive overview of diabetes for the individual newly diagnosed with this condition or for those who need a better understanding of diabetes self-management. Some of the classes offered at Wilson include a monthly support group meeting that offers an opportunity to learn and share information, and talk with other people who have diabetes; and an educational class, Diabetes 101: Uncovering Common Myths and Misconceptions, that provides a complete overview for the person with diabetes who is newly diagnosed or needs an update on current information. The class also will address common misconceptions about the disease, signs, symptoms and diagnosis, as well as an in-depth look at the different types of diabetes.
Support group
Another offering is an insulin pump support group that meets for those using an insulin pump to manage diabetes and information on the needs, concerns, and trends in insulin pumping are presented and discussed.
Private appointments
Individuals also may schedule a private appointment with Wilson's diabetes educators to address special diabetes concerns including management of the disease, insulin management, insulin pump therapy, medication changes, condition changes, or for patients with special needs. For information about Wilson's Diabetes Wellness Center, call 498-5409.
For information on the Wilson Memorial Hospital Foundation, call 498-5575, or visit the hospital's Web site at www.wilsonhospital.com.