Clay County Hospital staff members Laurel Mason and Kamy Vail have received the 2024 Impact Award from the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Diabetes Self-Management Education. The two were honored at the ICAHN annual conference on November 14th.
Mason and Vail successfully applied for a Lifestyle Coach Assistance Grant, designed to bolster the National Diabetes Prevention Program and Diabetes Self-Management Education initiatives. This program, developed by the Illinois Department of Public Health, emphasizes raising awareness, improving class accessibility, streamlining enrollment, and providing support for participants—all while addressing barriers to care and social disparities.
Since entering into an agreement with the Illinois Department of Public Health in March, Clay County Hospital’s Diabetes Education Department has expanded its efforts significantly. Key accomplishments include:
Conducting additional Diabetes Prevention Program cohorts.
Training a new lifestyle coach.
Promoting diabetes education in the community, particularly for Medicaid patients, in collaboration with the Illinois Public Health Institute.
The program is notable for being one of only two Medicare-approved suppliers for the National Diabetes Prevention Program in the region, with the next closest programs located 65-125 miles away.
With the grant, Laurel and Kamy have implemented various supportive measures, including:
Providing gas vouchers to help patients attend programs.
Offering fresh fruit and vegetable vouchers to support healthy eating.
Distributing glucometers for patients unable to afford them.
Hosting the first Clay County Hospital free produce giveaway for the community.
Sponsoring free diabetes and prediabetes screening events, including free hemoglobin A1C tests.
Purchasing materials for diabetes education in multiple languages.
Addressing barriers such as lack of childcare or family care for patients.
Enhancing monthly diabetes support groups with educational materials.
Laurel Mason and Kamy Vail’s work highlights the critical role of tailored community health initiatives in addressing diabetes care and prevention, while significantly improving access for underserved populations.
Comments