The little things can mean so much

Diabetes testing supplies – it’s another way we are making a difference.

When we learned that Cox Medical Center Branson Cardiac Rehab had patients who could not afford their diabetes testing supplies, Skaggs Foundation quickly stepped up to the plate.

“It’s so important for a patient with diabetes to manage their blood sugars in order to minimize both short term and long term complications,” says Cardiac Rehab Nurse Beth Gillispie. “Of course, a meter is necessary to track blood sugars and therefore treat appropriately.”

By working with CoxHealth Pharmacy, the foundation has been able to obtain meters and necessary supplies at a reasonable price. Cardiac rehab patients who could not otherwise afford these supplies are now receiving starter kits which include a meter, test strips, lancing device, lancets and glucose tablets.

“The test strips and lancets are an ongoing cost but patients can replenish their supplies at a very economical price at our pharmacy,” Gillispie says. “Our desire is to enable patients to leave the hospital with the tools needed to get started on their road to better health management. Not only does this allow them to better manage their health, I think they can leave here feeling like we really care and truly want them to succeed, and that’s priceless.”