Free Diabetes Awareness Month Programs and More at Blue Door Neighborhood Center^SM

Posted October 25, 2021

Our Blue Door Neighborhood Center (BDNC^SM) locations will be offering free in-person and virtual National Diabetes Awareness Month events in November. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention¹ (CDC), in the last 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled. The CDC indicates that managing blood sugar is the key to living well with diabetes, and eating well is the key to managing blood sugar.²

So, this November, your patients may benefit from free nutrition classes and farmers markets at BDNC. Or, maybe they would like to attend our virtual Ask a Doctor sessions to learn more about diabetes. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) encourages members and non-members to take advantage of this free programming as well as our popular yoga, Zumba, Bingo, Bingocize^® and meditation classes.

Other events happening in November include:

·         Prematurity Awareness Month virtual preterm birth education session with March of Dimes

o    English session: Monday, November 1, from 11 a.m. to noon

o    Spanish session: Wednesday, November 17, from 3 to 4 p.m.

·         Food as Medicine at the BDNC in South Lawndale and virtually

o    Nutrition is a key component in preventing and managing diabetes

o    Learn how to use food to help improve your health

o    English session: Wednesday, November 3, from noon to 1 p.m.

o    Spanish session: Thursday, November 18, from noon to 1 p.m.

·         Friendsgiving Drive-Thru at the BDNC in Pullman on November 13, from noon to 2 p.m.

o    To-go food tastings from local One Eleven Food Hall restaurants, fresh produce and protein boxes, fall inspired recipe cards and fun giveaways while supplies last

·         Care Fair at the BDNC in Morgan Park on November 20, from 11 a.m.
to 3 p.m.

o    Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicare information in time for open enrollment

o    Flu and COVID-19 vaccines

o    Health information on diabetes and other conditions

o    Prenatal and postpartum resources available from Special Beginnings^®

o    Fresh produce and poultry to the first 500 families   

These are just a few of the programs that will be offered at BDNC in November. Your patients can check the calendars at BDNC at Morgan Park, BDNC at Pullman and BDNC at South Lawndale for details, dates and to register. They can also visit the BDNC Facebook page for other events and happenings at all three BDNC locations.

Supporting our members on their health education journeys and increasing access to health care where our members live, work and play is an ongoing priority at BCBSIL. We are also committed to strengthening the health of communities across the state. BDNC gives BCBSIL the opportunity to partner with you, the provider community, to truly make a difference in the lives of residents in our communities.

All programming – in person and virtual – at BDNC locations is free and open to BCBSIL members and non-members. If you or your patients have questions, email the BDNC or call 773-253-0900.

¹ CDC, What is Diabetes?, June 11, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetes.html

² CDC, Eat Well, Aug. 10, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/eat-well.html

The above material is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician or other health care provider. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the appropriate course of treatment. References to third party sources or organizations are not a representation, warranty or endorsement of such organizations. Any questions regarding those organizations should be addressed to them directly. The fact that a service or treatment is described in this material is not a guarantee that the service or treatment is a covered benefit and members should refer to their certificate of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any service or treatment is between the member and their health care provider.

BDNC locations are not medical facilities, do not have medical providers on staff, do not offer medical advice, and do not provide health care or mental health services.