At the October 1998 board meeting, the Lions Clubs International Board of Directors approved a voluntary collaboration program with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).
The majority of lower limb amputations in the western world are attributable to complications of diabetes and have been shown to be preventable by early intervention. More than 1200 physician members of ACFAS have expressed an interest in performing foot and ankle screenings in conjunction with Lions diabetes screenings. The foot screenings are expected to take no more than 10 minutes each.

Any Lions Club interested in taking advantage of this resource of incorporating the ACFAS physicians in its diabetes screenings should contact the Program Development Department for the names and addresses of specific ACFAS physicians who have expressed interest in working with the clubs in your district. To expedite replies, Lions are encouraged to fax the International Activities Division at Lions Clubs International Headquarters at (630) 571-1692 or e-mail executiveservices@lionsclubs.org. Lions Clubs may also take advantage of following resources by contacting Christine Rose, Membership Services Director at (800) 421-2237 or (847) 292-2237 or by e-mail at cr@acfas.org.

• Lions can request a sample copy of the brochure Diabetic Foot Problems and Treatments.
  
  
• Lions may wish to provide the ACFAS publication, Diabetic Foot Disorders, to doctors that treat diabetes.

For more information about ACFAS, to view the brochure online or to access press releases about diabetes, visit the ACFAS Web site at www.acfas.org.