At the Diabetes and Patient Education Center in the Ambulatory Care Department at Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus, Ontario, patients living with diabetes receive more than just medical care. They gain the knowledge and support they need to live healthier lives. This center offers critical educational programming to help patients with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes understand their condition and take care of their health through proper diet, exercise and medication management.
This effort has created a program that is second to none in regard to diabetes education and support. I believe the Lions for Groves project is a shining example of what Lions can do when they put their mind to it.
The center offers both inpatient and outpatient services, with individual appointments available for patients to meet with certified diabetes educators. These educators, including registered nurses and dietitians, help patients navigate the challenges of living with diabetes and the demand for this center was beginning to increase. Past District Governor (PDG) Denis Vinette says, “Groves Memorial Hospital is a small community hospital that serves a rapidly growing population. The diabetes services were limited to an area in the basement of the hospital. There was no exercise or training facility, and it became a focus of the hospital to enhance and increase the diabetes area to further accommodate the growing number of clients as a result of the population growth.” The center has been able to increase its positive impact thanks to an upgrade made possible by the generous support of Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and local Lions clubs.
Lions donated over US$170,000 to Groves Hospital as part of the Lions for Groves project, which included a US$50,000 Diabetes Grant from LCIF. These funds were used to enhance the center’s resources and abilities, with audiovisual systems for educational rooms and computers for patient consultations among other improvements.
Today, the center has two nurse offices, two dietician offices, a large consultation room for both individual patients and group activities, and access to a gym. It is supported by nine Lions clubs from the surrounding communities. “This effort has created a program that is second to none in regard to diabetes education and support. I believe the Lions for Groves project is a shining example of what Lions can do when they put their mind to it,” says Vinette. Thanks to these upgrades, diabetes care at the center has seen incredible growth, with a 122% increase in patient care over the past two years. Originally serving around 855 patients, the center now supports as many as 1,925 patients annually. With a growing population in the hospital’s service area, the Diabetes and Patient Education Center continues to be a great resource. Many families support the center, knowing that advanced, compassionate diabetes care is readily available, thanks to the continued support from LCIF and the local Lions clubs.
The LCIF Diabetes Grant Program can help develop community environments that inspire and support healthy lifestyles and provide education about diabetes and prediabetes. LCIF Diabetes Grants can increase access to diabetes care and enhance existing diabetes centers to provide greater service to the community.
Learn more about LCIF grants and how they can help your community and others around the world.
Shelby Washington is the content specialist at Lions Clubs International Foundation.
