Free Clinic of Southwest Washington honored for its diabetes program

The Free Clinic of Southwest Washington received the Excellence Award for Impact for its diabetes program.

The Nonprofit Network of Southwest Washington honors a nonprofit or one of its programs, “whose performance and delivery to the community sets a high standard of quality and outcomes,” according to a Free Clinic press release.

In 2015, Free Clinic volunteer physicians recognized there were an increasing number of diabetes patients coming to urgent care. The Free Clinic launched a program to coordinate services for the patients.

“A patient is seen by the Diabetic Caregiver Team and all diabetic medications and supplies are provided at no charge,” the press release states.

Partnerships have been formed with Washington State University Vancouver to provide healthy eating classes, provide vouchers for fruit and vegetables at farmer’s markets and with Clark County Food Bank to bring the Fresh Food Truck to the Free Clinic in the summer.

“It’s an honor to receive the award on behalf of our staff and volunteers who spearheaded this cross-disciplinary program,” said Ann Wheelock, executive director at the Free Clinic.