| ST. LOUIS – The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation LLC has announced that it is providing a $20,000 grant to the Community Clinic of Joplin to fund programs to combat chronic diseases that include smoking cessation, diabetes education and weight reduction classes.
The money will support the clinic’s “Catch a Killer: Chronic Disease Detection and Treatment Program” designed to provide preventive screenings, treatment and education to prevent and manage chronic disease. In addition to medical care and treatment for up to 1,000 new patients, the program will provide eligible patients:
- Smoking reduction/cessation classes with a goal for up to 25 percent of participants to quit smoking and 75 percent to reduce smoking levels within six months to one year of completing the program.
- Monthly diabetes education classes for 10 months. A registered nurse and registered dietician will teach patients to learn how to control their diabetes. Nutritional counseling to address obesity, food preparation, exercise, blood sugar monitoring and tracking, and body care of eyes and feet will be provided to patients with diabetes.
- A 12-week weight management program facilitated by registered dieticians and nurses for patients who are obese. Progress will be tracked weekly, reports compiled monthly and quarterly, and a graduation ceremony will be held.
“We appreciate the support of the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation to help our patients access both health care and information to live a healthier lifestyle,” said Michelle Ducre, executive director for the clinic. “This donation can help many people in the Joplin area receive the care and education that they need.”
The Community Clinic of Joplin serves people who have no health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or access to care. Currently, the clinic serves the following counties in southwest Missouri: Jasper and Newton, also Barton, Barry, Dade, Lawrence, McDonald, and Vernon. The Joplin Community Clinic relies entirely on the generosity of area physicians, dentists, chiropractors, specialty physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to provide care to patients. Between 2005-2007, the clinic provided more than 15,000 patient visits.
Through charitable grant making, the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation LLC, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, promotes Anthem’s inherent commitment to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families in communities that Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield serves.
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