MHP celebrates American Diabetes Month by hosting a free community educational event
Mahaska Health Partnership
Oskaloosa – In recognition of November as American Diabetes Month, Mahaska Health Partnership will host a free diabetes educational event on Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Cedar Bluff Learning Center (entrance #3).
The event, called “Be Diabetes WISE,” is being organized by MHP Diabetes Educator Sharon Ferguson, RN CDE. According to Ferguson, the American Diabetes Association is collaborating with Mahaska Health Partnership to rally local Oskaloosa residents to take action and join others from across the nation in the fight to stop diabetes.
“People who attend this free event will learn important information on how they can confront, fight and stop diabetes,” Ferguson said. “Attendees will have the opportunity to have their blood glucose tested, learn about the various types of glucose meters and treatment options.
“We are also excited to have Family Nurse Practitioner Tina Main, who will be on hand to meet with attendees and answer any questions. Tina is a hometown girl who returned to Oskaloosa to practice medicine in the community she loves.”
According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States live with diabetes, including approximately 1,563 in Mahaska County. An additional 79 million Americans are at high risk for type 2 diabetes.
“Every 17 seconds, someone is diagnosed with diabetes,” Main said. “As a community, we need to make a pledge to do everything we can to end this disease. If you or someone you love has diabetes or you would like to learn if you are at risk, I highly encourage you to come to the Nov. 1 event.”
Mahaska Health Partnership’s Diabetes WISE is nationally recognized by the American Diabetes Association as a program that offers high-quality education that is an essential component of effective diabetes treatment.
For more information about Be Diabetes WISE, please contact Ferguson at 641-672-3422, or sferguson@mahaskahealth.org.
