Herkimer County HealthNet to use Excellus funding for diabetes-prevention workshops

HERKIMER, N.Y. — Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is providing Herkimer County HealthNet with $2,500 in funding to provide diabetes-prevention workshops in Herkimer County.

In recent years, Herkimer County HealthNet has identified “access to health care as a barrier to better health.”

“The Living Well with Diabetes workshop can help you deal with the symptoms of diabetes — including tiredness, pain, and emotional issues — by helping you learn how to eat and sleep better, manage your day-to-day activities more effectively, and more,” Elyse Enea, executive director of Herkimer County HealthNet, said. “This interactive workshop meets for 2.5 hours per week for six weeks.”

The nonprofit Herkimer County HealthNet says it works on “improving the health and well-being” of individuals living in Herkimer County.

Diabetes self-management education programs provide knowledge and skills for people who want to manage their type 2 diabetes and related conditions.

Under the direction of diabetes educators, each program addresses the needs, goals, and life experiences of people with diabetes. The program teaches participants how to eat healthy; be active; monitor blood-sugar levels; take medication; problem solve; reduce risk for other health conditions; and cope with their disease.

Excellus’ corporate sponsorships help pay for programs that improve access to care; advance specific health outcomes; and share its mission as a nonprofit health plan that works to “improve the health of residents in the communities they serve.”

“We are proud to partner with Herkimer County HealthNet to bring these vital services to residents of Herkimer County,” Eve Van de Wal, Utica regional president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, said. “Education is a valuable tool in managing chronic conditions and improving the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve.”