Targeting Diabetes in the Tenderloin

As the resident Clinic Liaison I’d like to, once again, highlight one of the great services that makes our Free Medical Clinic so unique–our Diabetes Care Management Program.

As you can imagine, living in poverty makes it extremely difficult to meet basic needs, much less manage a debilitating condition like diabetes. In the Tenderloin, so many of our neighbors have incomes too low to afford necessities like housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and childcare. Our neighbors without a home have to worry where they will sleep each night. Those without insurance often lack access to preventative care, and delay seeking care until a condition becomes urgent.

The Clinic understands the barriers our patients face in maintaining good health under these circumstances. Through our Diabetes Care Management Program we help empower diabetic patients with the education and support to take control of their diabetes and improve their health. We help each patient develop a plan for healthy living that works with their limited schedule and budget. We give patients free glucometers for blood sugar monitoring and teach them how to use the device. During group education classes, we bring patients together for counseling, diabetes education, and a forum for sharing their experiences.

The Diabetes Care Management Program also provides a point of entry for our diabetic patients into St. Anthony’s network of care. Patients struggling with stress or depression can meet with our therapist for individual counseling or group meditation classes. They can meet with a Social Worker to access free nutritious food and connect with other city resources. And, of course, patients are always welcome in the Clinic for primary care and other vital services to meet all of their healthcare needs.

It brings me joy to know how many of our guests benefit from services like the Diabetes Care Management Program. To learn more about this and other programs of St. Anthony Free Medical Clinic click here.