Anthem Grant Gives SSSEVA Diabetes Program a Boost

Thanks to Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia’s (SSSEVA’s) Diabetes Self-Management Program, Chesapeake resident Carolyn Person is no longer at risk for diabetes. And thanks to a $37,048 grant from the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, this program can help even more seniors in the community like Person.

“I’ve lost 20 pounds and am no longer pre-diabetic,” Person shared her testimony and praise for the program in front of an audience of seniors on May 23 at SSSEVA’s Older Americans Month event at the Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Community Center in Chesapeake, Virginia.

The Diabetes Self-Management Program is a six-week program through which both diabetic participants and those at risk for the disease learn to take control of diabetes. During each class, they meet with other people with diabetes to problem solve and support each other and are provided information on menu planning, proper diet and carbohydrate intake, blood sugar levels, and how to cope during sick days.

“Through Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation’s philanthropic efforts, we believe that targeting specific, preventable health concerns and addressing the social determinants that can impact them will help us create a healthier generation of Americans,” said Micah Hall, regional sales manager with Anthem, during the Older Americans Month event. “That’s why we are proud to support Senior Services’ Diabetes Self-Management Program through this grant and are excited to come out today and see firsthand the important impact it’s making in our community.

Check out event photos.