A few weeks ago, Joan Hill, RD, CDE, LD, from Matick, MA, made an inquiry via the Discussions link, of the AADE Office& Clinic Based COI (Community of Interest). Her concern was for a type 1 patient who once had cell phone service via his sister's carrier/phone plan; he has concerns about hypoglycemia problems, now lives alone, and is fearful that he no longer has a way to call 911. He works & makes just above the 133% of poverty level. Joan's inquiry was about possible phone assistance. There were several replies from all over the country! In Eugene Oergon, police distribute free phones to homeless & the service is limited to only 911. In Georgia, a person who receives Medicaid Insurance is able to get a free phone with limited service regulations. One Educator suggested the possibility of using a TracPhone: inexpensive & minutes don't expire. Another suggested the Jitterbug because of it's large screebn, & a red 911 button. Another Educator suggested that a Google search reveals several options & some included the actual phone carriers' available plans.The most interesting resources were given by Susan B. Riley, DNP, FNP, CDE, from Statesboro, Georgia: www.phone-bill-assistance.com/lifeline_by_state;& www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states/.
I have not personally investigated the above mentioned websites. But I hope that you are utilizing the benefits of your AADE Membership by subscribing/accessing the various COI's available via the My AADE Network. Joan's inquiry sparked a conversation (& great results) from other Educators& resources, with whom it would be very difficult to have made contact with.....& did so in a timely manner; without searching out an individual & waiting for a snail mail or phone response. Quite a powerful thing........having the State, the Country, the World at (literally) our fingertips! To access any COI group: from the home page of My AADE Network, hover over the My Communities & can choose from the varied list; from the individual COI home screens click on "subscribe" tab; you can designate how you want to receive your emails from the Discussions groups: to be delivered on an immediate basis (anytime someone sends out an inquiry or a response), or can get them grouped in a "list digest"---that's what I use; that way I get only one email per day & can still read all the discussions related to that topic. If you don't subscribe, you can still go in to their home sites & browse what they have to offer. Some COI's are very active & have great files/policies/procedures/powerpoints, etc to share---why re-invent the wheel?
To subscribe to &/or access or post other State discussions issues, go to the Missouri home page & on the left side, in the center of the grey box, click on "Participate in Statewide Discussions" tab. If you have a question or concern about something going on in your area of Missouri, use this discussions link to get a feel for what might be out there to assist you/your patient/your Practice site.......happy searching & sharing!
Nancy Trebilcock, BSN, RN, CDE;
Past Missouri State CB Chair, 2011-2012;
Missouri CB Board Member, 2013-2014
current MO CB Interim Web Admin