Today is World Diabetes Day.
The Rainy River District Ontario Health Team (RRDOHT) says diabetes is one of the greatest health challenges in the district, with nearly one-third of area residents having the disease and half unaware of their condition.
The Team is using today to raise awareness.
Spokesperson Amanda Roy says they are distributing free awareness kits.
“The kits are going to contain some specific information around risk factors for diabetes, some information pertaining to local statistics that affect our area, some healthy food option choices, and some information pointing to specific local diabetes provider services,” says Roy.
Approximately 2,200 kits will be distributed.
They will be available today at Safeway & Walmart in Fort Frances (10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.), The Bargain Shop (10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.) and the Recreation & Wellness Centre (3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) in Atikokan, and at Beaver Mills Market (10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.) in Rainy River.
Additional kits will be available at the following locations:
Fort Frances: The Place; Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre
Emo: Cloverleaf
Nestor Falls: Dalseg’s Fine Foods
Couchiching First Nation: CC Complex; Gen7 Fuel
Devlin: Devlin’s Corner Store
Manitou Rapids – Rainy River First Nations: JD Junction
Morson: J&J General Store
They will also be available at all health centres in the district’s First Nations communities and during the Fort Frances Lakers game on Friday.
Residents are encouraged to visit the RRDOHT’s Diabetes Care Providers website to access a listing of services available from local healthcare partners.
