Rural Health Inc. partners with Southern Illinois banks for diabetes awareness campaign

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (KBSI) – Rural Health Inc. is partnering with financial institutions in three Southern Illinois counties to raise awareness about diabetes prevention during National Diabetes Month in November.

The “Banking on a Healthier Future” campaign will provide free diabetes information at participating banks in Johnson, Massac and Union counties throughout November.

The initiative aims to educate residents about diabetes prevention, encourage healthy eating and lifestyle choices, and improve access to preventive health care.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, approximately 1.3 million adults in Illinois have diabetes, accounting for 12.5% of the state’s adult population. An estimated 341,000 of those individuals are unaware they have the disease.

Participating banks include:

Johnson County:
– Banterra Bank in Vienna
– Legence Bank in Vienna
– Southern Trust Bank in Goreville and Vienna

Massac County:
– Banterra Bank in Metropolis
– City National Bank’s two Metropolis locations
– Legence Bank in Metropolis

Union County:
– Anna Jonesboro National Bank in Anna and Jonesboro
– Anna State Bank, a division of Alliance Bank, in Anna
– Farmers State Bank in Alto Pass
– First State Bank in Dongola
– Southern Bank in Anna

Diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are too high. If left unmanaged, the disease can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and vision loss.

Rural Health Inc. encourages residents to learn more about diabetes prevention and management and to speak with a health care provider about their risks.

The nonprofit organization operates federally qualified health centers in Johnson, Massac and Union counties, providing medical, dental, mental health and pharmacy services.

For more information about the campaign or to schedule an appointment, call Rural Health Inc. at 618-833-4471 or visit ruralhealthinc.org.