North Big Horn Hospital and North Big Horn Clinic will sponsor the sixth annual Diabetes Walk-A-Thon to be held at the Lovell High School track on Saturday, June 13.
Approximately 20 people participated in last year’s event and more than $500 in donations was collected.  Funds derived from the walk-a-thon are used locally for diabetes education, care and supplies for individuals who qualify for the assistance.
Diabetes is a complicated and long-term disease and the maintenance of it is costly. With proper education and good self-care practices, many potential complications may be avoided. Several years ago, the “Strip Assistance” program was developed at North Big Horn Hospital Rural Health Clinic to assist any qualifying person to buy the test strips needed for regular blood sugar testing.  Since 2004, hundreds of dollars collected from the annual walk-a-thon have been provided to local people who need assistance with diabetes care. 
The entry fee for all participants is $15. This may be in the form of a single donation or walkers may collect pledges from sponsors to equal or exceed the $15. Some individual walkers last year solicited pledges of up to $100. All participants should have their pledges collected before the start of the walk at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning. Pledge forms are located downtown at Lovell Drug, Red Apple, Murphey’s Dollar Store, Box Office Video or any of the banks. People may also call the NBHH Education Department at 548-5225 for pledge forms.
Breakfast items and water will be available for all participants. An ambulance from North Big Horn Hospital Emergency Services will be in attendance. Prizes will be given to the top three participants who collect the most money and all participants will receive a T-shirt. Appreciation is expressed to the Lovell High School for use of the track, and to the many volunteers who cooperate to make this important event a success.
For more information on the walk-a-thon, the Strip Assistance program or any diabetes education needs, contact Trisha Mangus, RN, in the NBHH Education Department at 548-5225 or Dede Wardell in the NBHH Clinic at 548-5201.