This year the Diabetes Referral Network, a coalition of Buffalo County Community Partners, is hosting the first Diabetes Information and Referral Fair. The free fair will be Thursday, November 5th from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Kearney Family YMCA. Anyone can come to be connected with local resources that can provide assistance or education around specific needs participants may have to control or maintain their chronic illness.

The event will host agencies that will set up booths to provide education on diabetes-related health issues. They will also refer participants to organizations and programs that assist those with pre-diabetes and diabetes.

“Our focus for this event is to get participants referred to doctors, programs, or resources that they need. Many people do not know where to go to find these resources to help them with prevention, education, and treatment,” said Ariane Arensdorf, DRN Coalition Director.

In order to make participants more aware of their own health status, there will be several different screenings available, such as A1c, blood pressure, BMI, monofilament and more. A sheet will be provided for people to record their screening results, which they can take to their primary care provider.

There will also be a “Clinic Corner” sponsored by Platte Valley Medical Group and Good Samaritan Medical Group, where participants can ask their questions to doctors, diabetes educators, community health workers, dietitians and more. In addition, Hy-Vee will be bringing out chefs to demo healthy and easy recipes from 12:30 to 5 p.m.

“With all the changes in our healthcare system, it is becoming increasingly important for our patients to be empowered in managing their own healthcare,” said Shellie Berry, RN and CDE with Good Samaritan Medical Group. “I am excited that this Diabetes Referral Heath Fair will guide patients to the resources necessary to empower them.”

There are many organization representatives on the Diabetes Referral Network assisting Buffalo County Community Partners with planning the Diabetes Information and Referral Fair. CHI Health Good Samaritan is a main sponsor in helping provide A1c tests.

For more information on the fair go to https://bcchp.org/coalitions/drn, or you may contact Ariane Arensdorf at admin@bcchp.org or 308-865-2289.

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