PRESTONSBURG — The Floyd County Health Department will soon offer a new program geared toward helping those with diabetes manage their illness.

The Floyd County Health Department Community Diabetes Program will serve individuals who are uninsured or underinsured and need assistance in managing diabetes for themselves or for family member for whom they provide care. Clients will be evaluated by a team composed of Dr. Charles Arnett, a registered dietician, a certified diabetes educator and a registered nurse.

Health department Director Thursa Sloan said there is a definite need for the program.

“Diabetes is a growing problem in our region and is fast becoming a major public health issue, so we want to assist physicians to help clients become more compliant and involved in their own diabetes care, to hopefully slow the complications of the disease,” Sloan said.

Clients can be assessed for entrance into the program through the health department, by primary care providers and other referral methods. The diabetes team will work with small groups or on an individual basis, depending of the client’s needs. Homebound clients may be assessed in the home.

“This partnership between the patient, their doc and the specially trained diabetes educators will help our people really learn how to manage their diabetes in a way that will be a grand slam homerun,” said Deputy Commissioner of Public Health Steve Davis. “In my 36 years of practicing medicine this approach to diabetes care is the best I have ever seen.”

Incentives such as assistance with glucose testing strips, A1Cs, vision checks, and dental care will be provided for clients who become part of the program. Richard Salisbury, Optometrist and board member said,

“This is the type of thing we should be doing in our community and is the best thing in my opinion that we as a board have voted on since I have served on this board,” said Dr. Richard Salisbury, an optometrist and member of the Floyd County Board of Health.

The program expects to be up and running next month. Persons with diabetes who are uninsured or underinsured are urged to contact the Floyd County Health Department at (606) 886-2788.