Three-way partnership results in targeted education for diabetics

July 27, 2017 – In a small room at Portland Open Bible Community Pantry, a half dozen people gather to learn about their diabetes. About 287,000 Oregon adults have this chronic condition.

“We see a lot of people with chronic illness that are also food insecure,” says registered dietician Michele Guerrero of Rosewood Family Health Center. “They don’t have enough good food like fruits, vegetables and proteins.”

Many of Rosewood’s patients are on Medicaid. Together with Oregon Food Bank and Open Bible, Michele developed a plan to educate diabetes patients and provide them with nutritious food.

“It’s really part education, part support group,” says Josie Riggall also a registered dietitian with Rosewood. “[Patients] have to set goals and check in each week. We celebrate wins and brainstorm ways to overcome barriers.”

The six-week class covers blood sugar management, meal planning and much more. After each class, patients receive a bag of pantry staples and can choose from a variety of produce and specialty items.

Through your generosity, this partnership is helping reduce the cost of care for people with diabetes. The benefits go beyond health; Michele adds, “A lot of our patients are socially isolated, so having a support group helps them connect with others.”