Improve Access to Quality Health Care

West Louisville Diabetes & Outreach Clinic
GOAL: $500,000

African Americans in Louisville have a 74 percent higher death rate from diabetes than do whites–a startling and unacceptable statistic. With this disparity comes innumerable illnesses associated with diabetes, principally cardiovascular disease (more than 65% of people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke), as well as debilitating vision and circulation problems. The unfortunate fact is that all of these illnesses can eventually result in emergency room visits and lengthy hospital stays.

Our goal is to secure $500,000 in funding to create a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary diabetes clinic and management program located at the existing practice of Dr. O’tayo Lalude. Dr. Lalude (rhymes with holiday) is a family physician and nationally recognized diabetes expert. In fact, he is a member of an elite class of doctors known as “Bridges to Excellence” which singles out and rewards physicians who achieve excellent quality-of-care goals.

From his offices at 25th and Market Streets in West Louisville, JHSMH is striving to create a comprehensive clinic focused on education, outreach and treatment. A coordinator from VNA Nazareth Home Care will work with Dr. Lalude and a panel of physician specialists (i.e. podiatrists, ophthalmologists, etc.) to provide “one-stop” care in a convenient, accessible, and attractive location. A diabetic educator will also be on staff, focusing on prevention and lifestyle changes to better manage the disease.

The team will partner with local churches and civic organizations to educate and test the community. The goal is simple but challenging: to provide the resources to help people in West Louisville prevent complications from diabetes and lead healthy lives.

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