Gulf Coast Non-Emergency Medical Transportation to Provide Rides to Diabetes Education 

June 9, 2016

GULF COAST NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION TO PROVIDE RIDES TO DIABETES EDUCATION

Organization will bring persons with diabetes in the greater Bay County area to Advanced Diabetes Self-Management Education classes at FDOH-Bay

Contact:
Heather Kretzer
heather.kretzer@flhealth.gov
850-872-4455, ext. 1344

Panama City, Fla.— The Florida Department of Health in Bay County’s Healthy Bay division is pleased to announce a partnership with Gulf Coast Non-Emergency Medical Transportation. Gulf Coast Non-Emergency Medical Transportation has agreed to provide individuals with diabetes rides to education classes at FDOH-Bay. The service will be free of charge.

“As my humble contribution to my community, I am putting the services of my Gulf Coast Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Company at the disposal of the diabetic population of Bay County and the surrounding area.”, said Salah Giwashi, President.

 “Education is the key to managing diabetes at home. Lack of transportation in Bay County has been identified as a barrier to health care in the most recent Community Health Assessment Survey.  If the client cannot get to the Department of Health, he or she can’t learn to better care for themselves.  Mr. Giwashi has been kind enough to knock that barrier down for diabetes!”, said Jo Collville, CDE Nurse Consultant/Program Coordinator for FDOH-Bay Diabetes Services Program.

The service will be provided to any person with diabetes residing in the greater Bay County (e.g. Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Parker, Callaway, Wewahitchka, Fountain, Youngstown, Southport…) that wishes to attend FDOH-Bay Diabetes Self-Management Education classes. The patients will be provided a round trip from home to FDOH-Bay and back. The commitment is good for the first 100 patients or a period of six-months starting June 1. Patients will need to contact Healthy Bay’s Diabetes Services division at 872-4455, ext. 1460 to make an appointment. Healthy Bay staff will then arrange for a pick-up date and time.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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