ABQ Times

Nearly 202,000 New Mexicans have been diagnosed with diabetes, according to The American Diabetes Association (ADA). On top of that, an additional 53,000 New Mexicans do not even know they have diabetes. It’s estimated the statewide cost for people to treat diabetes is $2 billion each year.

Amy Bachyrycz, PharmD, emphasized the importance of raising local awareness about diabetes and offering support, especially to residents in Albuquerque’s International District facing various health-related challenges. Bachyrycz, an associate professor and the director of community outreach for the UNM College of Pharmacy, highlighted the aim of the Diabetes Awareness Health Fair being held by The University of New Mexico Hospital on Saturday, April 20 in southwest Albuquerque. She mentioned, “We are not trying to diagnose anyone with diabetes here. But if we can identify that they have high blood sugar, then, we can refer them to get a follow-up.”

Lisa M. Taylor, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, shared a personal connection to the cause, stating, “My mom died from the complications of diabetes almost 20 years ago...Some clinicians were better at responding than others. I want to be that person who advocates for my family, I want to be that person that advocates for somebody else's family member.” Taylor, an assistant clinical professor in the UNM College of Nursing, expressed her goal to educate New Mexicans and help them access the care they need, drawing on her family background and expertise as a Black provider in advanced diabetes management.

The Health Fair will offer free health screenings, including A1C, blood glucose and cholesterol tests, body mass index assessments, diabetic foot screenings, vision screenings, and prescription management. In addition, immunizations such as Covid boosters, Haemophilus b (HIB), Hepatitis A and B, MMR, Meningitis, and Td will be provided for those aged 12 and above.

The event, featuring activities for children and families, giveaways, a walk-a-thon, cooking classes, and food trucks, aims to provide resources and education on diabetes. Attendees are encouraged to participate in the various offerings without the need to bring anything, except for purchases from the food trucks.

Taylor highlighted the importance of the fair extending beyond tests and brochures, emphasizing the tailored cooking and fitness demonstrations for Black, Hispanic, and Native American community members, aiming to promote healthy lifestyle changes aligned with cultural traditions and beliefs. She stated, “I always want to begin with, ‘you're a person that lives with diabetes,’ or, ‘you're a person that loves someone that lives with diabetes, but that disease does not define you.’”

The Healthy Living & Diabetes Awareness Fair is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Alamosa Community Center in Albuquerque.