Blessing Diabetes Center to offer no-cost opportunity to learn about diabetes

QUINCY — Diabetes affects 352,000 children and adolescents younger than age 20, or 35 per 10,000 young people. Managing juvenile diabetes requires guidance and support from the adults in youngsters’ lives, including their teachers.

The Blessing Diabetes Center now offers the online “Diabetes Care in Schools” program to help area teachers, administrators and other school staff learn the basics of managing diabetic issues among students.

The centerpiece of is Diabetes Care in Schools is a short educational video featuring certified diabetes care and education specialist Debra Derhake, RN, BSN, and certified diabetic educator Jennifer Frericks, pharmacist, of the Blessing Diabetes Center. The video explains the types of diabetes, the common complications of the disease and how to address them.

After watching the video, school staff answer post-test questions online. Upon completing and passing the post-test, schools staff receive email confirmation and a completion certificate from the Blessing Diabetes Center. The Diabetes Care in Schools program is not an accreditation or official credential. It is an educational opportunity.

Area school staff are invited to go to blessinghealth.org/diabetescareinschools to view the video and take the post-test. There is no cost for completing the Diabetes Care in Schools program.