November is American Diabetes Month, a national health observance recognized every year to bring attention to diabetes and its effect on millions of Americans.
Twenty-nine million people in the U.S. have diabetes, according to statistics from the American Diabetes Association®. And, another 86 million adults are on the verge of diabetes, living with a condition known as prediabetes.
Diabetes may be a disease that hits close to home for many of your patients, as its prevalence is widespread. Many of your pharmacy’s patients may even be living with the condition. And, although you may already offer prescriptions, supplies and services to help your patients with diabetes live healthy lives, now’s the perfect time to step up your efforts to spread awareness.
Here are some ways to showcase American Diabetes Month in your independent community pharmacy this November.
Go blue
A simple way to show your support for diabetes awareness is by dressing in blue, the chosen color for diabetes.
Encourage your pharmacy staff to dress in blue on November 14, which is World Diabetes Day, and other days throughout the month. You could also decorate your pharmacy with blue streamers or other decorations to honor the annual health observance.
Run promotions for diabetes-related products
Promotions are sure to get your patients’ attention. So, this month gear your promotions toward diabetes-related products.
“Consider running the following promotions: Receive two free pairs of diabetic socks with the purchase of a pair of diabetic shoes. If you do not carry shoes, offer one pair of diabetic socks with the purchase of a multivitamin,” Gabe Trahan, senior director of store operations and marketing at the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), said in the Oct. 8 edition of Profit Makers, an email with front-end tips for pharmacies.
Set up a display that shows off your pharmacy’s supply of lancets and syringes, hydrating cream, glucose products, diabetic footwear and other diabetes essentials.
Consider offering coupons, both in-store and on social media, to let customers know that you sell these diabetes products. And, don’t forget to explain why these products are important and helpful for those with diabetes to use.
Educate about diabetes
Spread awareness about diabetes in your pharmacy through education.
Download free brochures and handouts from the American Association of Diabetes Educators here. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) healthfinder.gov also provides a toolkit your pharmacy can use to create educational materials to promote American Diabetes Month in your pharmacy.
Post informative content, like a blog post about easy at-home exercises, on your pharmacy’s social media. The healthfinder.gov toolkit also provides sample tweets and Facebook posts you can use if you’re running low on ideas.
Host a healthy eating class
Invite your patients to a unique event at your independent pharmacy during American Diabetes Month: a healthy eating class.
Not only will a healthy cooking demonstration be a fun way to celebrate the national health observance, you’ll be able to teach your patients what to eat when living with diabetes.
Consider making a sugar-free chai latte to soothe patients in the blistery November weather. The American Diabetes Association features other recipes of healthier versions of meals on its website.
Learn how you can start diabetes education classes at your pharmacy.
