The Henderson County Diabetes Coalition (HCDC) is made up individuals that either have diabetes, are health professionals such as local hospital dieticians, health department, pharmacist, community college nursing department, radio station, local restaurant owner, and community volunteers.  The Henderson County Diabetes Coalition conducts diabetes awareness and prevention through educational programs, marketing efforts by radio, newspaper, and billboards.  The group provides diabetes education classes, support group meetings, free screenings, emergency assistance and diabetes preventive counseling.   

Patient Assistance from July 2021 through April 2022 HCDC helped 21 people at a cost of $4375.29.  Billboards were placed around town and the total number of impressions for the billboards in August 2021 was 659,981 impressions, October 2021-147,616 impressions, December 2021-395,020 impressions and February 2021-952,934 impressions.  We had a billboard that went up April 12 that is getting 97,800 impressions per week and is still up.  HCDC provided items for 100 grab bags for the Senior Expo in October 2021 and 50 grab bags for November 2021 with the holiday cooking items.  On March 22, 2022, HCDC provided free screenings for Hgb A1C and screened 77 people.  Grants received from July 2021 until present were from The City Lions' Club-$3500, Community Foundation of Henderson-$1000 and Rotary Club of Henderson-$500.  HCDC started the new support group, Diabetes Tips and Tastings in April 2022 and had 15 people attend the first meeting.

In January a planning meeting took place to decide what the community needs are and how to meet those.  It was decided to continue the diabetes education programs but to revamp some based-on participants needs.  We have also changed the Diabetes Support Group name to Tips and Tastings to try to draw more individuals to attend.  We want to make this a fun event as well as having an educational component.  Each month we plan to have a food to sample and some recipes available.  The group is working on a diabetes resource guide for the community.  We will continue to aid those who need help paying for their medicine and supplies.