People in Williams Lake with Adult Type 2 Diabetes are being asked to help make services better by participating in a survey.
Marnie Brenner of the Interior Health Diabetes Collaborative said the survey takes about five minutes to fill out because it’s been shortened.
“We had a longer one and were not getting very many responses, so we’re hoping the shorter one will make it easier for people,” Brenner said.
On Thursday she was helping Leonard English and Lester Miller fill out the surveys at the Eagle’s Nest.
“We’ve been trying to find out if people have support at meetings, does it help them manage their Diabetes,” she explained. “We’ve been meeting there with people and encouraging them to bring their families.”
Since 2001, the total number of persons living with diabetes in the IH region has increased by 66 per cent and the rates in the Cariboo are especially high.
“With the collaborative we’re able to meet with stakeholders in the community to make changes that are relevant to us locally,” Brenner said.
A Diabetes nurse, two doctors, a mental health worker, public health worker, three patient representatives and two pharmacists are all part of the group, and work together to create strategies that will improve care.
The surveys will be available at Shoppers Drug Mart, the Atwood Clinic, Yorston Clinic, the Diabetes Clinic at Dene House, and at Brenner’s office at Public Health on the Third Floor at 487 Borland Street.
Completed surveys will be entered in a draw for $25 gift certificates at local grocery stores, Brenner added.
