About Us
BHDA History
Importance of Education
Networking
Fundraisers
Community Relations
Lending Library
Awards
BHDA History
The first meeting of the Black Hills Diabetes Association (BHDA) for adults was
held March of 1987. This meeting consisted of an educational program, member discussions
and sharing of experiences about living with diabetes. The support group grew from
10 people to 250 members. A Parent Support Group was established in 1990 for parents
of children with diabetes. In 1994 BHDA developed the camp for diabetic children
and their families at Outlaw Ranch. We became a non-profit organization in 1994.
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Importance of Education
Education is always first and foremost. With our volunteer staff we have been fortunate
to obtain the voluntary participation of many knowledgeable local health care professionals.
Past presenters include: Center for Disease Control physicians, Endocrinology Clinic
of Washington University, Stetson University, the Barbara Davis Center in Denver,
local endocrinologists, the International Diabetes Center Research Director, a Kansas
School of Medicine physician, a dietitian and pediatric endocrinologist from Denver,
a Mayo clinic physician, a University of Chicago School of Medicine Professor endocrinologist,
a South Dakota School of Medicine physician and clinical assistant, and an entire
kidney transplant team from Colorado.
In addition, we were graced with diabetes educators, an International Diabetes Center
psychologist, a diabetes education consultant, several local psychologists, and
local and out-of–state dietitians. BHDA has provided video presentations and conferences
to the group, as well as arranging the out-of-town health care professionals available
to Rapid City Regional Hospital through Grand Rounds.
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Networking
Networking has been a fundamental part of our efforts. BHDA has assisted with the
creation of other support groups in South Dakota and our South Dakota Reservations.
BHDA has worked with Rapid City Regional Hospital, The Aberdeen Indian Health Service,
the National Federation of the Blind, South Dakota Dental Hygienist Association
who have assisted with the distribution of educational materials throughout South
Dakota, Alpha Beta Sorority, and South Dakota School of Mines. Sororities and fraternities
have also assisted with the diabetic children’s holiday parties. BHDA has also worked
with the West River Lions Clubs, Cosmopolitans Clubs, Kiwanis the South Dakota Pork
Council, and many others. We have maintained a close relationship with our local
schools, delivering packets and videos on diabetes, and arranged for a Registered
Dietitian to make presentations in the area schools.
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Fundraisers
BHDA has participated in numerous fundraisers on behalf of local and national organizations.
Our initial fundraising effort was done in conjunction with the American Diabetes
Association. A roast of Senator Tom Daschle was a grand success. Thereafter we roasted
Senator James Abdnor followed by numerous roasts of local personalities. Other fundraisers
include: a geranium sale, Kiss a Pig Contest, Let’s Mug Diabetes, bake and craft
sales, the Mount Rushmore Century Ride for Diabetes, the Lakes and Plains Regional
Council of Carpenters and Joiners Solidarity Ride for Diabetes, and a Little Caesar’s
contribution during Diabetes Alert Day. Recently, we are very fortunate to have
joined with Taco John’s in the Tacos Johns Nachos Navidad.
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Community Relations
Community efforts involve developing numerous Public Service Announcements with
assistance of area television and radio stations and area newspapers on diabetes,
gestational diabetes, and the warning signs of diabetes. We have obtained informational
diabetes billboards donated by Derby Sign Company. Further, BHDA has participated
in over 100 health fairs in the Black Hills area which include Fire Stations, Elementary
and Junior High Schools, area pharmacies, senior citizens centers, Rapid City Post
Office, Rushmore Mall, Rapid City Regional Hospital, Sioux San Hospital, Ellsworth
Air Force Base, churches, and the Chamber of Commerce Annual Health Fair. We arranged
to have warning signs of diabetes printed on milk cartons, shopping bags, grocery
store receipts and city water bills. We have distributed thousands of Diabetes Alert
Day quizzes on an annual basis throughout the Black Hills Area, encouraged the publication
of The Diabetes Alert Day quiz in many local newspapers, monthly diabetic recipes
in newspapers, and the creation of the Annual Diabetes Expo Interactive Health Fair.
BHDA has established an Annual Cooking Classes for Diabetics. We maintain a 24 hour
hotline which provides information on diabetes, resources for people with diabetes,
and services available in the community. We have obtained advertising in the Rapid
City Journal, and the Argus Leader. BHDA has established numerous screenings for
diabetes throughout the Black Hills.
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Lending Library
For 20 years we established and maintained a lending library which includes information
regarding nutrition, type 1 & type 2 diabetes, and recent research. We have provided
emergency supplies to diabetics in need, transportation to medical facilities and
made arrangements to supply Glucose Monitors to EMT’s, the Cornerstone Rescue Mission,
South Dakota Reservations, and individual diabetics. BHDA, along with others, worked
with the South Dakota Legislature in passing an insurance plan for diabetics.
The BHDA also believes in living a normal enjoyable life with diabetes. To that
end, we have had holiday parties for the diabetic and their families, hay rides,
roller-skating parties, bowling parties, and summer picnics. A Funzersize Shape
Up exercise group for diabetics was also established.
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Awards
As a result of these and many other efforts the BHDA has been recognized by receiving
the following awards: the JC Penney Golden Rule Award, the Rapid City Journal West
River Notable Award, the Governor George Mickelson’s Neighbor Helping Neighbor Award,
Youth and Family Services Volunteer Award, Honor Role of Who’s Who of American Women,
Public Awareness Award of the South Dakota American Diabetes Association, Rapid
City Chamber of Commerce Wind Beneath Our Wings Award, Outstanding Volunteer Award
for the South Dakota American Diabetes Association, Mid-American Region National
Award for the American diabetes Association Volunteer of the Year, and was among
thirteen in the nation to receive the American Diabetes Association Outstanding
Community Service in reaching People Award, and many other awards from the American
Diabetes Association.
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