Brampton, Ont. Sept. 3, 2021 – Free diabetes testing will be offered on Sunday September from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Centre, in Brampton as part of a campaign launched by Diabetes Canada and Dynacare. Diabetes is a serious public health issue impacting one in six residents within the Region of Peel. The Brampton-wide campaign called #Dynacare4Diabetes, a diabetes wellness initiative focuses on supporting those with risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
Dynacare and Diabetes Canada is encouraging Bramptonians who have never been tested for diabetes to start the process by assessing their risk factors with an online resource. Individuals with one or more risk factors, or those who are experiencing symptoms, are encouraged to consult with their doctor and request a requisition for a free A1C test – alternatively, individuals can attend a Dynacare mobile A1C clinic where a pre-approved requisition can be provided onsite.
Dynacare mobile A1C clinics have been established in select locations throughout the city to expand the reach and availability for this testing. The goal is to provide access to testing for those most at risk for this all-too-common disease so they can be better informed about their health and, if necessary, get on a pathway to care. The goal will be to support underserved and racialized communities, that have traditionally experienced barriers to accessing healthcare.
The campaign’s final mobile clinic will launch on Sunday, September 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Centre, and will be open to the public. The program, including staffing and all testing, is being conducted entirely at Dynacare’s cost – there is no cost to participants and none of the services will be billed to OHIP. Further to encourage participation, Dynacare will be making a 50-cent donation to Diabetes Canada for every participant in the program, either at a Dynacare location or mobile A1C clinic in Brampton between September 1 and October 6, up to a total donation of $25,000.
“Understanding the increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes within Peel Region, Brampton was a natural next step for expanding this important initiative,” says Vito Ciciretto, Chief Executive Officer of Dynacare. “Dynacare is committed to serving our community, and our goal with this campaign is to make it easier for all Bramptonians to get tested and for those at risk to speak with a physician. COVID-19 can also cause more severe symptoms and complications in some people living with diabetes, making it more important than ever for Bramptonians to understand their risks.”
2021 also marks the 100-year anniversary of the discovery of insulin, making this an important time to both recognize the incredible work that has already been done to help combat this disease as well as renew our commitment to helping to end diabetes.
Please visit diabetes.ca/dynacare for more information about the campaign.
