The United Way of Selma & Dallas County has received a grant from The Daniel Foundation of Alabama to expand diabetes care services for uninsured patients at the Doc On the Spot Free Clinic.
The funding will provide diabetic testing for approximately 400 uninsured residents of Dallas County, giving patients access to routine monitoring services that clinic leaders said in a statement have never before been available during the clinic's 15-year history.
In addition to regular testing, patients will receive individualized education and dietary counseling to help them better understand and manage their condition, with the goal of improving long-term health outcomes.
"With this grant, we will be able for the first time to offer our diabetic patients routine testing to monitor their disease and outline educational and dietary plans to give them the best chances of managing their disease," said Jeff Cothran, executive director of United Way of Selma & Dallas County. "This investment allows us to move beyond simply treating illness and toward helping our patients live healthier, longer lives through prevention, education, and consistent monitoring."
The Doc On the Spot Free Clinic is a partnership between United Way of Selma & Dallas County and UAB Selma Family Medicine. Clinic space is provided by the Fathers of St. Edmund.
For the past 15 years, the clinic has offered free primary healthcare services to uninsured residents of Dallas County. Patients are not charged for medical services, removing financial barriers to accessing routine healthcare.
The clinic also works with United Way's HealthLink program, which helps eligible Doc On the Spot patients obtain prescription medications. Together, the two programs provide a comprehensive approach to healthcare by combining primary care, chronic disease management, medication assistance and patient education.
According to United Way officials, the new funding comes at a critical time as diabetes continues to affect many families throughout Alabama's Black Belt. Routine testing and ongoing education are expected to help patients better manage the disease while reducing the risk of serious complications.
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