MPCA News
CHC's Collaborate with Many to Provide Diabetes Services
Teamwork made Diabetes Day a success at Helena Cooperative Health Center (CHC) on October 23, 2003. Fifty-four CHC patients participated in the program and received diabetes counseling and referrals, testing for bone density, lipid and blood sugar levels, and foot exams at no charge.
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| U of M IPHARM health screening van |
Hopefully, similar Diabetes Days will continue in rural communities through IPHARM (ImProving Health Among Rural Montanans), a grant-supported program of the University of Montana, with the goal of bringing wellness testing and health information to rural Montanans. IPHARM serves 7 counties along Montana's Hi-Line and has traveled to other areas as well to conduct bone density by ultrasound, HbA1C (a diabetes screening test), spirometry (a screening test for airway diseases), and lipid panels at no charge. Bob Williams, R.Ph., and Kari Meine, Pharm.D., coordinate the program, which also provides a learning opportunity for three U of M Pharmacy students who assist with testing and provide patient education.
"We have more screening days planned for this year", said IPHARM Project Coordinator Bob Williams. The team has dates to offer services at the CHC's in Livingston and Missoula, as well as the Indian Family Health Clinic in Great Falls. "We don't know yet if the program will be funded beyond 2003.but we're all hoping!"
In Helena, IPHARM collaborated with staff of the Montana Diabetes Project, Janet McDowall, RN, and Liz Johnson, APRN, who sent out invitation letters to Cooperative patients, set up the clinic rooms, organized the schedule, welcomed patients, and ensured they reached each of the screening stations. Helen Amundson, RN, CDE at Cooperative Health Center, was instrumental in organizing the program, finding volunteers, providing immunizations and patient education. "We didn't really know how many patients to expect," said Amundson, "but we are so excited about the turnout!"
Montana Primary Care Association (MPCA) also participated, sending Jenifer Sheehy, APRN, for patient education and assistance with eye/dental referrals. Specialized foot exams were provided by Certified Wound Specialist Barb Halver, RN, who assessed and counseled 37 patients.
An equally successful Diabetes Day was held in August at the Butte Community Health Center, where 47 patients received screening and counseling. "What made our Diabetes Day such a success was that many of the patients served were reluctant to come in for routine appointments," said Butte CHC Executive Director Cindy Stergar. "They loved having all the diabetes services in one clinic visit." Staff from Butte commented that it was "the best thing we had ever done for our diabetic patients."
Montana Primary Care Association
1805 Euclid Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 442-2750
Fax: (406) 449-2460
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