UNC Health Wayne and Wayne Memorial Hospital Foundation Launch Diabetes HealthCheck Program to Address Diabetes Crisis in Wayne County

In a major step towards combating the diabetes crisis affecting Wayne County, the Wayne Memorial Hospital Foundation has launched the Diabetes HealthCheck program—a mobile initiative dedicated to diabetes education, prevention, and outreach. This groundbreaking program, developed to improve health outcomes in the community, will be coordinated by Billy Tart Jr., Coordinator of the Outpatient Diabetes Prevention Wellness Program at UNC Health Wayne.

With more than 14% of Wayne County residents currently affected by diabetes, this program aims to address a critical need. On November 5th, the City of Goldsboro officially recognized the importance of diabetes prevention and education by proclaiming November 14th as **Diabetes Awareness Day**. The proclamation underscores the city’s commitment to supporting programs like Diabetes HealthCheck that are designed to educate residents, promote early intervention, and reduce the prevalence of diabetes-related complications.

During the launch event, local officials, healthcare professionals, and members of UNC Health Wayne came together to celebrate the initiative and highlight its potential impact. Key speakers included Jacqueline Kannan, Executive Director of the Wayne Memorial Hospital Foundation, who expressed gratitude for the community’s support. "Diabetes HealthCheck will be a lifeline for many in our community, especially those in underserved areas," Kannan said. "By bringing education and resources directly to our residents, we can bridge the gap between awareness and action."

UNC Health Wayne leaders, including Jessie L. Tucker III, President and CEO; Howard Whitfield, COO; and Kimberly Fazio, Director of Marketing and Communications, were also present to show their support for the program. Kim Brown, RN, Nursing Director for the 6th Floor, along with Jennifer Loper, Diabetes Nurse Navigator, and Joe Swales, Registered Dietitian, were among the healthcare professionals who joined the launch event, underscoring UNC Health Wayne’s commitment to tackling diabetes head-on.

Program Goals and Services

The Diabetes HealthCheck program will provide critical services, including blood sugar screenings, nutritional counseling, diabetes self-management classes, and personalized action plans for individuals identified as at-risk. Through the program, individuals will also receive support and guidance on physical activity, weight management, and medication adherence. These services will be delivered by a mobile unit that travels to different areas within Wayne County, making it accessible to residents who may not have easy access to diabetes care.

Dr. Billy Tart Jr., the program’s coordinator, is looking forward to the impact this mobile unit will have. "With Diabetes HealthCheck, we are removing barriers to healthcare access and bringing the tools for diabetes prevention directly to our community," Tart explained. "Our goal is to reach as many people as possible to educate them on diabetes management and empower them to take charge of their health."

A Community Effort to Improve Health Outcomes

Diabetes HealthCheck represents a collaborative effort to address one of Wayne County’s most pressing health issues. The initiative is an example of how healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations can work together to make a positive impact on public health. This program aligns with UNC Health Wayne’s mission of providing "Patients First, Quality Health Care Close to Home" and demonstrates a commitment to proactive, preventive healthcare.

As Wayne County residents and healthcare providers mark Diabetes Awareness Day on November 14th, the focus will be on the steps individuals and families can take to prevent diabetes, manage their health, and support loved ones affected by the condition. The Diabetes HealthCheck program promises to be an essential resource in these efforts, offering guidance, support, and vital education to those who need it most.