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PARKERSBURG -- WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center will host a World Diabetes Day Health Fair to connect community members with free health resources and education to support diabetes prevention, management and overall wellness.
The World Diabetes Day Health Fair will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at First Baptist Church of Williamstown, 431 Highland Ave., Williamstown.
According to a press release for the event, diabetes remains a significant health concern in West Virginia, where approximately 15% of adults are living with diagnosed diabetes and tens of thousands more are estimated to have the disease without knowing it. The health fair is designed to help address the growing impact of diabetes in our communities by giving individuals greater access to tools and information that can support earlier awareness and better health management, according to the press release.
"Whether you are living with diabetes, supporting a loved one or simply looking to take a more proactive approach to your health, this event provides an opportunity to connect with local healthcare professionals and better understand your individual health risks," said Ruth Moore, RN, CDCES, diabetes educator. "With thousands of West Virginians estimated to be living with diabetes without knowing it, education, screening and early detection are key steps in preventing complications and supporting long-term health."
According to the press release, low-cost lab vouchers will be available for purchase at the event, giving attendees an affordable option to better understand their current health and potential diabetes risk through glucose, cholesterol and other key health indicators. A $50 lab panel will include a comprehensive metabolic panel, with fasting and non-fasting options, Hemoglobin A1C and a lipid panel.
Physicians and providers representing several areas of care will be on-site to provide education on topics including lipid health, diabetic wound care and diabetes risk. Participating specialties will include nephrology, podiatry, preventative cardiology and internal medicine. Attendees will also have access to diabetes risk assessments, vision screenings and education from local healthcare professionals.
The Camden Clark Foundation is supporting the World Diabetes Day Health Fair as part of its commitment to expanding access to health education, screenings and preventative resources for the community, according to the press release.
"Financial barriers often prevent individuals from seeking preventative care or completing recommended screenings, which can have a lasting impact on health," said Kim Couch, executive director of the Camden Clark Foundation. "We're always grateful for opportunities such as this to make health resources more affordable and accessible for our community, particularly for individuals who may otherwise delay or go without care. We remain committed to supporting the health and well-being of our communities, and events like this help ensure more patients are connected to the resources and information they need to manage their health."
Additional resources will include occupational therapy education focused on food aversion; diabetes technology and resources from Omnipod, Medtronic, Beta Bionics, Tandem, Dexcom and Libre; nutrition education and meal demonstrations; medication education and glucometer information; and insurance education focused on navigating diabetes coverage when turning 65.
Giveaways, nutrition boxes and travel insulin pouches will also be available during the event, along with a Kids' Corner featuring children's activities and face painting.