East Central Reporter

Clay County Hospital has announced that its Diabetes Self-Management program, led by Laurel Mason and Kamy Vail, received the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network Impact Award for 2024. This award recognizes innovative projects that enhance patient care, community health, or staff well-being.

The hospital acknowledged the dedication of Mason and Vail in their efforts to strengthen community health. As a result of their work, they were honored at the annual Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network conference on November 14, 2024.

Mason and Vail secured a Lifestyle Coach Assistance Grant aimed at supporting the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME). The initiative seeks to improve program awareness, class accessibility, enrollment ease, participant support, and address barriers to appropriate care and social disparities. This collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health began in March 2024.

The grant enabled Clay County Hospital's Diabetes Education Department to expand DPP cohorts, train an additional lifestyle coach, and promote the program locally. The closest similar programs are located between 65-125 miles away from the hospital. Notably, this program is one of only two Medicare-approved suppliers for the national diabetes prevention initiative. Efforts have been made to specifically target Medicaid patients through collaboration with the Illinois Public Health Institute.

Grant funding has facilitated several initiatives: purchasing gas vouchers to reduce transportation costs for patients attending programs; providing fresh fruit and vegetable vouchers for those unable to afford healthy foods; supplying glucometers for patients in need; sponsoring free produce giveaways; organizing free diabetes/prediabetes screening events with hemoglobin A1C tests; acquiring training materials in multiple languages; offering childcare assistance; and enhancing monthly diabetes support groups with educational resources.

Clay County Hospital expressed gratitude towards Mason and Vail for their commitment to improving patient health within the community.