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November
is Lions Diabetes Education Month. During this month, all
Lions clubs, districts, and multiple districts are encouraged
to implement diabetes
awareness projects.
Lions
clubs appoint one member to serve as their diabetes awareness
chairperson. On the district level, a Lion is appointed as
the district diabetes awareness chairperson.
Both club
and district-level chairpersons develop diabetes awareness
service projects. Before implementing a project, Lions should
contact local government and private diabetes foundations.
This can eliminate the duplication of services. In addition,
local diabetes organizations may have ongoing projects that
need additional
The association
maintains official partnerships with:
- (US)
National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) - this program
encourages people with diabetes to control their blood sugar
levels through proper food selection and regular exercise.
www.ndep.nih.gov
- American
Diabetes Association (ADA) - administers the Lions SightFirst
Diabetes Research Program. Since 1982, US$3.6 million in
LCIF grants have been awarded to diabetic retinopathy researchers.
www.diabetes.org.
- (US)
National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) - has generated
the Lions Eye Health Program, which is funded by LCIF grants.
www.nei.nih.gov.
Successful
Lions diabetes projects
- The
Sao Paulo (Belem) Lions, Brazil, purchased a mobile health
unit. The Lions use this van to perform diabetes, vision,
dental and blood pressure tests.
- In
Zambia, the Kitwe Lions sponsored a medical camp that diagnosed
and treated diabetes, malaria, hypertension, and respiratory
tract infections.
- A local
senior citizens' organization joined the Estero-South Fort
Meyers Lions, Florida, USA, in sponsoring free diabetes
screenings during Lions Diabetes Awareness Day.
- The
Lions and Leos of Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, volunteered to
help with Hawaii's Walk for Diabetes and Family Fun Day,
sponsored by the American Diabetes Association.
- The
Lions of District 5M-6 (Minnesota, USA) established a US$30,000
Diabetes Fund. This fund enables the Lions to provide financial
assistance to uninsured persons who have diabetes.
- In
Manitoba, Canada, District 5M-13 Lions Diabetes Chairman
John McCourt organized 45 support groups for persons with
diabetes.
- District
20-K1 (New York, USA) Lions Diabetes Chairman Daphne Hall
presented diabetes information on Sundays in local houses
of worship.
- The
Charleston (Gold Dome) Lions, West Virginia, USA, raised
US$6500 for diabetes research with the Kiss-a-Pig fundraiser
- which honors pigs for their contributions to insulin research.
- The
St. Paul (Midway) Lions Club, Minnesota, USA, donated US$9000
to a local diabetes resource center for educating South
East Asian immigrants about diabetes.
Additional
diabetes project suggestions
- Donate
medical equipment for diabetes or diabetic retinopathy to
a local healthcare facility.
- Purchase
glucose testing machines and test strips for persons with
diabetes.
- Volunteer
at a local diabetes clinic.
- Present
a diabetes program at a Lions district or multiple district
convention.
- Contact
the Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP). This is a community-based
program that allows Lions clubs, community oganizations,
and individuals to promote healthy vision.
For additional
diabetes awareness project suggestions, contact: programs@lionsclubs.org
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