Exciting New Grant for Diabetes Prevention in Charleston

Exciting New Grant for Diabetes Prevention in Charleston!

Charleston, S.C., is buzzing with good news as the Shifa Free Clinic has recently received an impressive federal grant of over half a million dollars. This funding, totaling $561,000, comes from the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health and is set to make a significant impact in our local community’s fight against diabetes. How great is that?

A Mission to Serve

Shifa Free Clinic has been a vital part of our community since it opened its doors in 2012. Its primary aim is to provide essential medical services to individuals who are uninsured. Not stopping there, the clinic also operates a fully stocked food pantry because, let’s face it, good health starts with good nutrition! With this new funding, their efforts are about to take a giant leap forward.

Introducing the INSPIRE-D Project

The exciting new project that will spring from this grant is aptly named INSPIRE-D, which stands for **IN**terventions for **S**creening & **P**revention in **I**ndividuals at **R**isk for **E**ndocrine disease – Diabetes. The primary focus will be on educating and preventing diabetes in disadvantaged communities within the Greater Charleston area. This is a step forward in addressing a crucial health need in areas that may have limited access to such resources.

But how will this project actually work? It’s all about the teamwork! The clinic will work closely with various wonderful partners including MUSC, Roper St. Francis, the South Carolina Department of Public Health, and the Lowcountry Food Bank. This collaborative effort will also involve GroceryRX and local nutritional experts who are passionate about individual health. Not to forget, assistance from cultural experts at Spanglish Consulting and Círculos de Bienestar will ensure that education and resources are culturally relevant. That’s the key to connection, right?

Goals of the Project

What’s the goal, you ask? The main aim is to boost the number of early diabetes screenings in these underserved communities. In addition, the project will focus on providing the community with culturally appropriate education, prevention strategies, and health management resources. With diabetes being a growing concern in many areas, this community-focused approach is sure to have a positive ripple effect.

Dr. Reshma Khan, the Executive Director of Shifa Free Clinic, expressed her excitement about the grant: “This grant is a huge undertaking and will be so helpful to our community.” She went on to share how invaluable the funding will be in raising awareness about diabetes and improving overall health. It’s heartwarming to see such commitment to helping our community thrive.

Getting Involved

One of the key components to ensuring the success of the INSPIRE-D project is community involvement. Dr. Khan shared that they are currently in the process of forming a Community Advisory Board. This board will play a crucial role in guiding the grant and ensuring that the best practices are followed throughout the project. This kind of collaboration shows the strength of community spirit!

If you’re curious about the INSPIRE-D project or interested in becoming a part of that advisory board, there will be opportunities to get involved. It’s all hands on deck as we work together to uplift our community’s health!

As this project unfolds, we can’t wait to see the positive changes that will come from it. Here’s to better health and a brighter future for all the wonderful folks in Charleston! Let’s support each other in this journey!