Diabetes Screening Tests
Diabetes screening tests can detect the possibility of diabetes. Lions clubs often arrange for free diabetes screening tests to be performed in their communities. To conclude that a person has diabetes would require medical testing.
Lions can organize free diabetes screenings for the
public.
Lions clubs shall be encouraged to partner with healthcare professionals to carry out joint diabetes screening projects as a suggested activity as well as combining a test for diabetic retinopathy with glaucoma testing whenever such an activity is undertaken. Lions should adhere to the appropriate healthcare laws and regulations that are in effect for their jurisdiction when conducting healthcare screenings. Many healthcare regulations require any blood tests to be conducted by a licensed healthcare professional.
- Select a date for the screening. This date should not conflict
with other community events.
- Secure a location for the screening. Schools, libraries, houses
of worship, community centers or homes for the elderly are among
the possible locations. Obtain legal clearance/permits from local
authorities.
- Arrange for medical equipment and medical personnel. Government
health departments, universities, hospitals, or private physicians
often agree to perform free public screenings.
Provide advance publicity to local news outlets. Post flyers
throughout the community informing the public about the date and
location of the screening.
On the day of the screening, Lions can:
- Organize the screening room.
- Provide free transportation for persons who lack access.
- Assist with record-keeping functions.
After the screening, Lions can:
- Send letters of appreciation to persons involved in the
screening. This includes healthcare professionals who donated time,
community centers that provided a venue, and medical companies that
donated equipment or supplies.
- Send a press release to local media. Include details such as
the number of persons who benefited from the free public
screening.
- Contact persons in the community who discovered that they may
have diabetes. Provide them with information about local treatment
facilities.
