Diabetes Awareness and Education Month

Kerri Cannon, RN, RDN, LDN (left) with Mo. State Representative Patricia Pike. 

In recognition of the month of November being designated as “Diabetes Awareness Month” in Missouri, State Representative Patricia Pike and Bates County Memorial Hospital registered dietitian/diabetes educator Kerri Cannon, RN, RDN, LDN teamed up to discuss the hospital’s diabetic education program available for citizens. Pike sponsored House Bill 1247, which established annual November diabetes awareness activities in Missouri. HB 1247 was signed into law in July of 2018.

Pike commented, “Diabetes is a major health issue affecting our state. Diabetes affects one in ten Missourians, and it is estimated that over 300,000 Missourians are pre-diabetic. This legislation was crafted in our District with the help of health professionals who work in the diabetic healthcare field. I encourage all citizens to work closely with their health professionals regarding diabetes pre-screening and healthcare options. We are fortunate in our District to have resources for diabetic healthcare, including the Bates County Memorial Hospital’s Dietitian-Nutritionist, Kerri Cannon, and diabetic education programs.”

In addition to nutritional counseling services, Bates County Memorial Hospital offers a Diabetic Support Group, as well as a Diabetes Workshop. The support group and workshop are both facilitated by Cannon, and are free events. The Diabetes Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month from March through October, and is open to people diagnosed with diabetes, their caregivers and/or loved ones. A six-week Diabetes Workshop is held several times a year, and is open to people diagnosed with diabetes, and for those who care for someone with diabetes. The workshop focuses on empowering people to take charge of this condition, avoid complications and improve self-management skills. 

The next Diabetes Workshop at BCMH is scheduled for January 9 through February 13, meeting every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to Noon. Reservations are recommended for this free class as space is limited. Please call 660-200-7003 for more information, or 660-200-7007 to sign up for the Diabetes Workshop.