Diabetes Awareness
How & Why:
Lions Clubs International initiated this global cause to address the growing worldwide impact of diabetes.
Lions strive to make people aware of the dangers of this disease by:
1. Public Awareness Campaigns -- Clubs host events and distribute materials to educate people about prevention, symptoms, and management.
2. Screening and Testing -- Many clubs offer free diabetes screenings to help with early detection, especially in under-served communities.
3. Support for Those Living with Diabetes -- Lions often collaborate with healthcare providers to offer resources, support groups, and access to care.
4. Healthy Living Programs -- Lions support programs that promote healthy eating and physical activity as preventive measures against type 2 diabetes.
5. Partnerships -- Clubs often partner with organizations like the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) to amplify their impact.
What it is:
A Lions‑sponsored training program, called Lions Empowering and Aiding Regional Nurses in Schools (LEARNS), aimed at equipping school nurses—and other staff—with comprehensive diabetes care education.
Coverage & Reach:
- Targets 500+ elementary schools across 40 school divisions in Northern Virginia.
- Initially funded by an LCIF grant of $18,000, administered in collaboration with District 24‑L local Lions Clubs.
Who Leads:
- Virginia Diabetes Council (VDC) in partnership with District 24‑L.
- Key team members include nurses and Lions from both educational and Lions leadership circles.
Training Structure
| Level | Description |
| Level 1 | Diabetes awareness basics |
| Level 2 | Hands‑on diabetes care: BG monitoring, insulin, hypo/hyperglycemia, nutrition, exercise, disaster response |
| Level 3 | All above + legal and regulatory aspects |
| Add‑ons | Optional modules: CGM, insulin pumps, continuing education recognized (6 hours) |
Format:
Delivered through self-paced e-learning, supplemented by required hands-on sessions.
Benefits cited: scalable delivery, responsive support, effective for onboarding new nursing staff.
Impact & Community Benefit
- Equitably prepares a broad range of school staff to manage student diabetes safely and effectively.
- Streamlines training by reducing admin burden and using flexible delivery methods. Staff reported the program was “wonderful and comprehensive.”
- Promotes sustainability, backed by standardized funding and ongoing donor support—highlighting the importance of locally focused diabetes education.
Scope
L.E.A.R.N.S. is active specifically in District 24‑L, which is part of Multiple District 24, covering Northern Virginia.
- While District 24‑I and 24‑B have other community initiatives, diabetes training programs are centered in 24‑L via LEARNS.
Looking Ahead
The program is ongoing, with enrollment coordinated annually through school districts once grant funding is renewed. Schools interested typically complete an application via the Virginia Diabetes Council.
In Summary:
- L.E.A.R.N.S. District 24‑L offers a structured, tiered diabetes training curriculum—free and scalable—to staff in about 500+ schools across Northern VA.
- Backed by Lions Clubs (initially via LCIF grants), VDC, and local Lions Clubs, it blends e-learning with licenses and a focus on standardized, equitable care.