Residents are invited to join The Community Health Improvement Network as it hosts a lunch and learn event Thursday about diabetes.
The event, which is set to begin at noon at NorthPark Church, located at 7770 Highway 39 North, will feature Dr. David Lott, an endocrinologist at Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center, as the guest speaker.
“Diabetes is a dangerous long-term chronic disease that can cause disability,” Lott said in a news release announcing the event. “It can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, and even amputation.”
According to the Mississippi Department of Health, the state has one of the highest rates of Diabetes in the nation. The state’s standing, however, is improving from being ranked 50th in the nation to 48th.
CHIN President Beverly Knox said Thursday’s lunch and learn will help residents understand more about diabetes and how it can be managed and prevented. CHIN’s events are intended to bridge the communication gap between healthcare professionals and residents to promote and improve a healthier community, she said.
“The most valued part of the lunch and learn has been the discussions between community residents and medical professionals,” Knox said. “Open dialogue concerning community health along with health screening opportunities can help stop or even prevent more serious illnesses.”
The CHIN mission is to facilitate collaboration among community and provider partners to create joint programs and cooperative ventures that improve and sustain health care access and quality delivery, especially for underserved and underprivileged populations in Lauderdale County and the surrounding area.
Launched in 2016, CHIN recently merged into The Montgomery Institute with the Institute is taking on the CHIN mission to coordinate the community’s response to healthcare needs identified by hospitals and other organizations in Lauderdale County.