Kate B. Reynold’s Grant Supports Local Diabetes Program in Prospect Hill, NC
In January 2011, the Prospect Hill Community Health Center revamped their diabetes education program with a grant from the Kate B. Reynolds (KBR) Charitable Trust of Winston-Salem. The grant consists of funding for two years with a possibility of a third year of additional money. The program provides diabetes self-management education classes at no charge to new and existing diabetes patients. Led by registered dietitian Greg Wheatley, RD, it helps patients with diabetes manage and learn about their disease, and provides follow up and support. One Roxboro woman who recently attended the course said “Greg makes it so easy for us to understand better ways to manage our health. I have always wondered how one knows which food groups have cholesterol, Greg made it simple.”
Previously taught only by a dietitian or pharmacist, this grant allows for a multi-disciplinary approach, with enough funding to support a medical provider, dental hygienist, social worker/care manager, pharmacist, and dietitian teach the classes. “It even provides funds to help patients cover the cost of transportation!” according to Nutrition Director Heather Miranda, RD, LDN. This helps achieve a total-team approach, encouraging everyone to work together to support the patients.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA)-recognized program consists of 10 hours of diabetes education—a one hour pre-assessment, eight hours of classes, and a one hour follow-up class after three months. During each class, patients have the chance to meet others and share advice. Lisa, another Roxboro patient, stated that her favorite part of the program was the fun, cooperative environment. “Everyone just got along,” she said.
“During this program, most patients reduced their average blood sugar levels, a major criterion of diabetes progress,” Greg Wheatley says. Patients have not only enjoyed themselves, but have achieved wonderful results too.
Piedmont Health Services was founded in 1970 and serves over 39,000 patients primarily in Orange, Person, Caswell, Chatham, and Alamance counties. The Prospect Hill Community Health Center is one of six community health centers operated by Piedmont Health Services.
Piedmont Health is very grateful for the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust created in 1947 by the will of Mrs. William N. Reynolds of Winston-Salem. Three fourths of the Trust’s grants are designated for use for health-related programs and services across North Carolina and one-fourth for the poor and needy of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.
Contact Wheatley at (336) 562-3311 for more information.
Written by Abram Graham, Piedmont Health
Source:
The Courier-Times (Roxboro, NC), July 30, 2011