Diabetes prevention, screenings available statewide

NotMe-80PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University Extension will offer a diabetes prevention program at nine locations throughout the state. And it will team with the state healthcare authority to host three free diabetes screening events: Nov. 4 and 19 at WSU Pullman and Dec. 4 at WSU Vancouver.

To sign up for a free screening, please type http://hca.uswappointment.com into your browser. If you are unable to make an online appointment, please contact WSU Human Resource Services for help: HRS Pullman, 509-335-4521 or hrs@wsu.edu, and HRS Vancouver, 360-546-9595 or rboose@vancouver.wsu.edu.

PEBB insurance covers class cost

About 1.8 million adults in Washington are at significant risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and most don’t know it.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) through WSU Extension offers an evidence-based program that can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes for people at risk.

The 16-week series of classes costs $380, which is covered by WSU employees’ state Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) medical insurance plans. Other participants may be able to enroll as a covered benefit through their employer health benefits or apply for limited scholarships available through a grant provided by the federal government.

To participate, a person must have a body mass index (BMI) above 25 and be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. To find out if you’re at risk, take the “at risk” quiz at http://hrs.wsu.edu/File/NotMeQuiz.pdf.

Prevention program a group effort

Participants receive a free workbook and tracking tools to help manage their progress. The group setting provides a supportive environment with people who are facing similar lifestyle challenges. Together participants can celebrate their successes and figure out ways to overcome obstacles.

“We’re excited to bring the National DPP to communities in Washington,” said Shirley Calodich, WSU program manager. “By giving people at risk for type 2 diabetes the opportunity to work with a trained lifestyle coach and benefit from the experiences of their peers, we are helping improve health and wellbeing in Washington in a way that is achievable and sustainable.”

The program goal is for participants to lose between 5 and 7 percent of their body weight by attending 16 weekly group classes led by a trained lifestyle coach.

Program hosts classes statewide

The weekly class series will begin at different times across the state; contact the location near you for more information. WSU Extension will offer the program at the following locations:

Clallam County
Shirley Calodich
360-385-0843

Clark County
Sandy Brown
360-397-6060, Ext 57010

Grant County
Christy Price
509-754-2011 Ext 413

Grays Harbor County
Chris Koehler
360-482-2934

Skagit County
Laura DeFresse
360-428-4270, Ext 224

Spokane County
Dori Babcock
509-477-2047

Thurston County
Zena Edwards
360-867-2151

Whatcom County
Beth Schramer
360-676-6736, Ext 52

Whitman County
Meg Gallagher
509-397-6290

 

Contacts:

Shirley Calodich, WSU Extension, 360-385-0843, sbroughton@wsu.edu

Emily Vander Zanden, WSU Pullman Human Resource Services, 509-335-4521, hrs@wsu.edu

Randy Boose, WSU Vancouver Human Resource Services, 360-546-9595, rboose@vancouver.wsu.edu