Free Diabetes Screening on Nov. 14

State Representative Tom Cross (R-Oswego) and School District 308 are jointly sponsoring a free diabetes screening for the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, November 14 at the District Administration Center located at 4175 Route 71 in Oswego.

“Diabetes can affect everyone and with the number of new diagnoses increasing every day, screening is more important than ever,” Cross said. “We are excited to partner with District 308 and Rush-Copley Medical Center and truly appreciate their willingness to help provide this critical screening to members of the community.”

Nearly 800,000 Illinoisans have diabetes, 500,000 of whom are unaware that they have the disease. Yearly, $7.3 billion is spent on both direct and indirect costs associated with the care of diabetes in Illinois and accounts for more than 10 percent of all health care spending.

“We appreciate Rep. Cross’ leadership on diabetes education and awareness issues and are very excited to partner for the screening on November 14,” said Bill Walsh, District 308 School Board President. “We know that early diagnosis dramatically improves an individual’s long-term health and quality of life.” 

Screenings are vital because the Centers for Disease Control estimate that 40 percent of the population has diabetes and does not know it. The earlier that treatment and education begins, the easier it is to prevent the tragic, costly and sometimes fatal side effects of diabetes.

For questions or more information, please call Rep. Cross’ Office at 815-254-0000 or visit www.tomcross.com. 

Special thanks to Oswego 308 for the information.