SiteLabs, in an innovative collaboration with Cone Health (Greensboro, NC) and a network of independent pharmacies, has made significant strides in finding previously undiagnosed persons at risk of diabetes and connecting them to care. November marks Diabetes Awareness Month, an important time for health systems to evaluate their approach to community health. This month, we celebrate the impactful partnerships that are helping to find and engage at-risk patients within our communities. These efforts are particularly crucial in tackling chronic conditions like diabetes, where early detection can significantly reduce health risks and long-term healthcare costs.
The SiteLabs model is simple but effective: rely on the high trust and accessibility of local, independent pharmacies to reach people in their communities and deliver free wellness screenings. These pharmacies, located in high-need areas, provide patients with essential screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes markers like HbA1c.
The results to date underscore the critical need for proactive screening to identify individuals who may be at risk but remain unaware: Out of 1,917 patients screened, 680 participants (35.47%) exhibited elevated A1c levels. Of these, 395 participants (58.1% of those with elevated A1c levels) had not reported a history of diabetes in their past medical history, highlighting a crucial gap in awareness and diagnosis. These findings suggest that a significant proportion of the community is living with undiagnosed pre-diabetes or diabetes—conditions that, if detected early, can be managed effectively to prevent complications.
Walidah Karim-Rhoades, Vice President of Operations for the Greensboro market at Cone Health, shares: “Our partnership with SiteLabs and local pharmacies has been instrumental in reaching those who are most at risk and often underserved. This innovative partnership helps us bring care directly to communities, break down barriers and ensure more people get access to the preventative screenings they need.”
Hayley Wood, Pharmacist in Charge at My Pharmacy in Greensboro adds “Our partnership with SiteLabs and Cone Health has empowered us to connect with individuals who otherwise would not seek out care. It highlights the critical role that trusted local pharmacies can play in bridging the gap between at-risk populations and necessary healthcare services.”
As we recognize Diabetes Awareness Month, it’s essential to address the hidden burden of undiagnosed diabetes within our communities. We encourage health systems to consider community-based screening programs as a vital strategy for early detection and intervention. By working together—Cone Health, SiteLabs, and community pharmacies—we are building a more connected healthcare system, one that is proactive in finding at-risk patients and providing them with the care they need.
