Appalachia, KY. – Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR), the University of Pikeville, the Kentucky Department of Public Health, the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, and the Kentucky River Health Consortium will host its Appalachia Health Provider Diabetes Education virtual event on Monday, March 15, 2021.

The purpose of the event is to educate health professionals on the latest efforts to prevent and improve the management of Type II diabetes in the Appalachian region. With an emphasis on the humanitarian aspect of medical care, the event provides a unique opportunity for health professionals to learn more and to hone skills that help overcome health and economic disparities in the region.

This event will be live streamed through the online events platform, Hopin. The event is free and open to the public. All attendees must register to access and participate in the presentations. Registration can be completed at thereisafuture.org/providereducation.

Keynote Speakers include: Governor Andy Beshear, Congressman Hal Rogers, Kentucky 5th District, Dr. Jose Montero, CDC / Center for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support (CSTLTS) Director and Mr. Ben Chandler, President and CEO of Foundation for Healthy Kentucky, Former Representative for Kentucky’s 6th District.

 Here is a breakdown of agenda topics:

• At the Crossroads of Two Pandemics: COVID 19 and Diabetes – Dr. Sathya Krishnasamy, Associate Professor, University of Louisville

• Diagnosis, Evaluation and Management of Diabetes in Children – Dr. Seema Sachdeva, Founding Vice Chair, Division of Pediatrics, UPIKE-KYCOM

• Diabetes and Nutrition – Ms. Amanda Goldman, MS, RD, LD, Healthcare Industry Sales Strategist, Gordon Foods

• Diabetes Prevention and Challenges of Underlying Chronic Diseases – Dr. Connie White, Deputy Commissioner for Clinical Affairs, Kentucky Department for Public Health

• Diabetes and Mental Health – Dr. Kristie Schultz, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Louisville

• Perspectives on Diabetes Prevention from Eastern Kentucky Voices – Mr. Christopher Parker Hobson, Appalshop Media Producer

• Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support in Primary Care – Dr. Tamea Evans, Physician, University of Louisville

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treatment in Primary Care – Dr. Joe Kingery, Chair of Family Medicine and Associate Dean of Osteopathic Medical Education

• CHW Storytelling, Diabetes in Rural Communities – Ms. LaDonna Roberts and Ms. Kala Gilliam, Community Health Worker, Kentucky Home Place

Continuing Education Hours will be available for event attendees. Approved presentations from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), Kentucky Medical Association (KMA), Southern KY AHEC, Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN), and Kentucky Board of Social Work. Pending credit approval from the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy. 

 For more information on the Health Provider Diabetes event, contact Dr. Margo Riggs, CDC Liaison for SOAR at mriggs@cdc.gov.