Free Diabetic Supplies

The average percentage of individuals with diabetes in America is about 7% on average and over 20% in Americans over age 60.  This is a high amount in itself.  Imagine, though, if you lived in an area where the percentage of the population with diabetes and chronic kidney disease hovers at 50% on a continuous basis. 

This is the case in American Samoa, and there is some assistance that has come to Pago Pago in American Samoa.  The assistance was sent late in June from Honolulu to the Tafuna Health Center, and it includes a new desktop computer and diagnostic as well as diabetes management equipment called the Bayer/Siemens DCA Vantage Analyzer.  The total cost of the equipment, supplies and assistance is about $12,500.

The Rotary Club and Rotary Club International contribute to numerous humanitarian and community causes and services.  In the situation with Tafuna Health Center in Pago Pago, a combination of organizations came together to provide assistance for the clinic in a tiny part of the world.

The organizations involved in this unique effort to help the 50% of the population that is dealing with the symptoms and complications of diabetes.  The money for the services and equipment was raised by The Rotary Club of Metropolitan Honolulu, grants from Rotary Club International and matching funds from Rotary Club District 5000 along with the Pago Pago Rotary Club.  

When thinking about the high incidence of diabetes in the mainland United States, we often shudder at the percentages and are quite concerned and aware of diabetes symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, especially because of public health messages giving us information on what to look for, how to fight diabetes and how to avoid diabetes or slow it down.  We also have many organizations, centers for treatment and other medical, diet, health and exercise information and assistance readily available on the mainland.

With the gift of equipment and supplies from the Rotary Club, the Tafuna Health Center in Pago Pago will now be able to help the many people of American Samoa address their diabetes symptoms and live healthier.