In her weekly column, staff writer Meredith Moss publishes wish lists of non-profit organizations in our area. If you have a list you’d like to submit, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com
A reader called last week to ask where she could donate diabetes supplies that her family no longer needed. She remembered we’d included it in a past Make a Difference column.
The answer: Diabetes Dayton. The registered non-profit organization meets the immediate needs of local people affected by diabetes by providing camps for youth, supplies for the uninsured and free diabetes education classes. They are not affiliated with — and do not receive funds — from the ADA or the JDRF.
I checked in with the organization’s executive director Susan McGovern who said they continue to need assistance in order to meet the needs of diabetics in our community.
“You and the DDN readers have been so helpful in the past,” she said. “Our biggest need is in helping those without insurance obtain necessary supplies.”
McGovern said even with insurance, many people experience lapses in coverage or very high co-pays.
“Diabetes is an expensive disease and people need vital supplies to maintain good control — one small vial of blood sugar test strips can cost more $50,” she says. “You may see ads in the paper or on the roadside saying, ‘We buy unused test strips’ but those individuals are paying a little to folks and then selling them online for a profit.”
McGovern says if you have additional test strips, she hopes you will consider donating them directly to Diabetes Dayton, a BBB accredited non-profit that will ensure that they will get into the hands of those most in need.
Here’s what they need:
- Unopened, unexpired blood sugar test strips of all varieties.
- Unopened boxes of syringes.
- Newer model glucometers (blood sugar machines).
- Insulin pump supplies — especially for more recent model pumps.
- Due to previous generosity, lancets are not needed at this time.
Items can be dropped off at the Diabetes Dayton office, 2555 S. Dixie Drive (one-half mile north of Dorothy Lane), Suite 112, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Other ways to help: Diabetes Dayton is a United Way partner agency that also relies on grants, memorials and individual and corporate donations. You can also designate the organization through Kroger Community Rewards and DLM's Good Neighbor program.
The organization’s annual fundraiser, “Big Brews and Blues” will be held from 5-9 p.m. Friday, May 15, at MetroParks RiverScape Pavilion.
For more information, call (937) 220-6611 or visit www.diabetesdayton.org.
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