Diabetes screening in Far West LHD – NAIDOC Week and National Diabetes Week
Far West Local Health District Diabetes Services is conducting a number of free diabetes screening events in July to raise awareness about diabetes symptoms, risk factors and the importance of regular checks.
“We are offering free diabetes screening to help raise awareness of the importance of early detection, which can help identify people at risk or who have undiagnosed prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes,” said Josh Petrie, Diabetes Educator at Far West LHD.
“Early detection allows for timely interventions, which can prevent or delay complications like heart disease, kidney failure and vision loss.”
The community screening events are being held across the district during NAIDOC Week (6-13 July) and National Diabetes Week (13-19 July) with partner organisations:
NAIDOC Week
- Tuesday, 8 July - 10am to 1pm at Mission Australia, 146 Chloride St, Broken Hill NSW 2880 Broken Hill, with Mission Australia.
- Wednesday, 9 July - 12noon to 2pm at Menindee, Burke & Wills Oval with Creative Community Concepts.
- Thursday, 10 July - 11am to 1pm at Broken Hill, Sturt Park with Creative Community Concepts.
National Diabetes Week
- Tuesday, 15 July - 11am to 2pm at Dareton, Coomealla Club with Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation (CHAC).
- Wednesday, 16 July - 12noon to 3pm at Broken Hill, BH Hospital foyer.
- Thursday, 17 July - 5pm to 7pm at Ivanhoe RSL Club.
Mr Petrie said the free screening sessions held in partnership with Mission Australia and Creative Community Concepts will hopefully raise awareness of diabetes symptoms, risk factors and the importance of regular checks and help normalise conversations around health and encourage people to seek regular care.
“Our community events bring screening to people who might not engage with traditional healthcare services and helps reduce barriers like cost, time or transportation,” he said.
The test requires just a small blood sample, often from a quick finger prick - no fasting, no complex preparation and no pain.
“It’s a fast and simple test that gives valuable insights into your risk of developing diabetes or how well your diabetes is being managed. A few seconds could make a big difference for your health!”
For more information about the Far West LHD Diabetes Services can be contacted on 1800 931 959.