Bass Coast Health (BCH) is proud to be supporting people living with diabetes from the war-torn country of Ukraine.
People living with diabetes are being impacted by a shortage of supplies essential to their health and in many cases, their lives.
BCH Diabetes Educators Claire Gatto and Vivienne Prestidge are collecting donations of diabetes-related goods and care packages on behalf of the Type 1 Foundation.
The foundation is coordinating an initiative to collect donations and create care packages to send to Poland for displaced Ukrainians living with diabetes.
“The appeal is ongoing because it is believed the situation in Ukraine will be going on for the long haul,” Claire said.
“We wish it weren’t so but we will collect donations for as long as necessary.”
Claire and Vivienne welcome donations of diabetes management supplies such as blood glucose meters, glucose test strips, ketone test strips and insulin pen needles.
They are also collecting other goods for women with gestational diabetes such as baby wraps, booties and beanies, maternity pads, and soaps and other toiletries, as well as new goods for children such as beanies, soft toys, colouring books and pencils.
“We would even like cards with messages and drawings from people’s children,” Claire said.
Donations can be left at the Allied Health building via the Ambulatory Care entrance at Wonthaggi Hospital, or at BCH’s sites at San Remo and Cowes (Phillip Island Health Hub).
“This is the diabetes community coming together to help those who had to flee Ukraine, leaving everything behind,” Claire said.