Free Diabetes Screening and Education Event Offers Assistance to More than 200 People in Downtown Atlanta

/PRNewswire/ -- More than 200 people attended a free community diabetes program at Ebenezer Baptist Church on Saturday to learn more about the risk factors for diabetes as well as receive free health screenings. The Institute for Health Protection coordinated the program, which Ebenezer Baptist hosted with support from Roche Diabetes Care, makers of ACCU-CHEK® diabetes products and services.

"Roche is proud to sponsor these free screening and education programs," said Luc Vierstraete, senior vice president and general manager, Roche Diabetes Care North America. "We hope that many members of the community take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about diabetes and how they can live healthier, active lives."

Attendees were offered free and confidential health screenings, free physician consultations and free education materials. They also benefited from clinical and community experts who shared their expertise and perspective during a panel discussion and question and answer session.

"Diabetes is a growing problem nationally and our local community is not exempt," said Georgia State Sen. Nan Orrock. "That's why education and health fair programs like the one held today at Ebenezer Baptist Church are so important. I was glad to see so many people take advantage of the free screenings to learn more about preventing and managing Type 2 diabetes."

The program in Atlanta is part of a series focusing on diabetes that IHP and Roche Diagnostics have been conducting across the country. The overall goal for these programs is to provide educational information for those at risk for developing diabetes as well as those who are currently living with diabetes. In addition to providing free health screenings, a panel of local healthcare providers presents valuable and relevant information. This interactive program provides participants with information and tools to help better manage Type 2 diabetes and/or take measures to prevent its onset.

The next free community diabetes program will be Oct. 30 at Jefferson State Community College, Shelby-Hoover campus, in Birmingham, Ala.

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