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The Lions Diabetes Awareness Program was introduced in 1984. Lions became involved in diabetes education because diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among people between the ages of 20 to 74. Nearly one-half of people with known diabetes have some degree of diabetic retinopathy. |
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The Strides: Lions Walk for Diabetes Awareness program. This program offers an educational, low-impact, walking activity for community involvement.
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National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is a leading public education program that promotes diabetes prevention and control in the USA. Lions are encouraged to visit the website for more information about diabetes, including educational resources and publications suitable for distribution to the public.
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Anyone with diabetes is at risk for the visual complications that result from diabetes. The Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP) is a public awareness program that empowers communities to save sight. LEHP raises awareness of the causes of preventable vision loss, such as diabetic eye diseases, glaucoma and low vision. LEHP has been active in the USA, Japan, the British Isles and Ireland, Canada, Australia and Turkey.
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World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14 and was established by the International Federation of Diabetes and The World Health Organization in 1991. Lions are encouraged to facilitate diabetes community awareness events on this day. |
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Lions Diabetes Education Month is celebrated during the month of November. All Lions clubs, districts, and multiple districts are encouraged work with healthcare professionals to implement diabetes awareness projects in their communities.
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For Additional Information About Diabetes
- International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is a worldwide alliance of 200 diabetes associations in 158 countries, who have come together to enhance the lives of people with diabetes everywhere. Click here to locate a diabetes association in your country.
- American Diabetes Association (ADA) is a nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy. www.diabetes.org
- World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency that is responsible for international public health.
- Diabetes Education and Camping Association (DECA) serves as a worldwide voice to advance diabetes camping programs that meet the needs of individuals and families.
For additional information regarding the Diabetes Awareness Program, contact: Health and Children's Services Department.
COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINIC OF BUTLER COUNTY
(Please click on above logo for expanded information on the Community Health Clinic of Butler County)
Mission:
To provide high quality healthcare to our uninsured and income-eligible neighbors in Butler County.
Vision:
That all Butler County residents shall have access to primary medical care.
The clinic is a non-profit, community-based volunteer corporation; who's mission is "To provide high quality healthcare to uninsured and income-eligible neighbors in Butler County." Our Needs Assessment documented at least 11,000 people in Butler County who need such care. They are hardworking people, struggling to support themselves and their families, often working two jobs. They earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but have no health benefits and cannot afford private insurance.
LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL'S INVESTMENT IN THE COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINIC OF BUTLER COUNTY.
From the Left Lions Don Gibala, Butler; Ted Cramer, Cranberry; and Diana White, Zelienople; present a Lions plaque to Community Health Clinic Executive Director, Bruce Lazar, third from left. (Photo by Lion Dean Jones)
Local Lions Clubs Help Establish a “Lion’s Den”.
Members of three local Lions Clubs, Butler, Cranberry Township, and Zelienople recently presented a plaque to the Community Health Clinic of Butler County. The plaque recognizes the efforts of Lions in establishing a “ Lion’s Den” room dedicated to diabetes care. Initially these clubs committed over seven thousand dollars that provided the seed money needed to apply for a grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation. Butler Lion, Don Gibala, prepared and guided the application through District 14N, the Pennsylvania Lions Cabinet, and the Lions Club International Foundation. The application was approved and provided an additional 75,000 dollars to assist in the establishment of a diabetes program at the Clinic.
The Lions are the largest service organization in the world and were founded with the challenge of becoming the Knights of the Blind. Over their history blindness and vision impairments have been two of their major charities. Their blindness prevention efforts reach over the entire world and have had significant success in developing countries. The Lions interest in diabetes stems from the vision problems related to this disease. A study done in 2005 revealed that over twenty five per cent of Butler County residents have diabetes. It is hoped that the Clinic, which will open after the first of the year, will be able to detect, evaluate, and treat diabetes patients and reduce their possibility of serious vision problems. For information about the Clinic, whose mission is to provide health services to uninsured and under insured individuals living in Butler County call 724 841 0980.
Submitted by Butler Lions Club secretary Dean Jones.
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