January 9, 2007

Contact: Mark Upson, Diabetes Program Chair
Health Improvement Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati
Phone 513-281-7107

Health Improvement Collaborative Receives $10,000 from Mayerson Foundation

The Health Improvement Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati has received $10,000 from the Manuel D. & Rhoda Mayerson Foundation to support its Greater Cincinnati Diabetes Program (GCDP).

The Mayerson Foundation grant will be used to fund the GCDP’s “No Undiagnosed Diabetics” initiative, whereby adult patients are screened at area Federally Qualified Health Centers.

“We are pleased to be working with the Mayerson Foundation to address such a crucial health issue,” said Mark Upson, GCDP chair. “Considering that medical costs for untreated diabetics average $4,000 per year more than those who receive effective treatment, it makes sense to implement the ‘No Undiagnosed Diabetics’ initiative rather than face staggering increases in health care costs down the road.”

The GCDP represents the first initiative that coordinates both public and private sector diabetes efforts to benefit both insured and uninsured populations. The GCDP strives to connect patients, medical providers and funders into one coordinated “best practices” diabetes detection and treatment program for all Greater Cincinnati residents.

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