Editor’s note: In light of National Diabetes Month, we’re spotlighting the exceptional efforts of Community Health Worker Kelly Duggins. With the backing of a grant from the Bon Secours Mercy Health Foundation’s Mission Outreach Program, Duggins has been instrumental in enhancing diabetic patients’ access to care.
For Kelly Duggins, a community health worker and diabetes educator, witnessing diabetic patients lower their A1C levels is one of the most fulfilling aspects of her job.
“Seeing those numbers go down validates just how important it is to provide education to patients living with diabetes,” Duggins said. “I have the satisfaction of seeing patients grow their understanding of the condition and improve their overall health as a result.”
Roper St. Francis Healthcare received a $200,000 grant from the Bon Secours Mercy Health Foundation’s Mission Outreach Program in 2022. This grant has enabled the healthcare system to streamline outpatient care for diabetic patients residing in Dorchester and Berkeley counties.
The grant facilitated the integration of Duggins within the system’s primary care clinical team, which has resulted in notable improvements in patient lifestyle and empowerment in diabetes management.
Since Duggins joined the team in April 2022, primary care providers that collaborate with her have reported a 64 percent decrease in A1C levels among their diabetic patients.
“We are so excited to have Kelly Duggins and the diabetic grant program located in our office and serving our patients,” said Dr. Ashleigh Zacarias, primary care provider with Roper St. Francis Physician Partners. “I work alongside Kelly and have seen her work with our patients helping to change their lifestyle, eating patterns and thinking patterns to help improve their life and empower them to take back control from diabetes.”
In addition to supporting Duggins’ integration, the grant has helped Roper St. Francis achieve:
- The establishment of the Diabetes Task Force
- Monitoring of medically nonadherent adult patients with an A1C of 9 percent or greater
- Groundwork for continued navigation of patients to education and supportive services
Additionally, the grant helps Roper St. Francis supply diabetic patients with the necessary tools and resources to thrive, including diabetic shoes, glucometers, device training, educational placemats, toolkits, compression stockings, portion plates, medication management and nutrition counseling.
“When it seemed as if all hope was lost, the care and compassion I received from Dr. Zacarias and Kelly restored my faith,” said a 34-year-old patient who recently was diagnosed with Type II diabetes.
Duggins and Dr. Zacarias partnered to help the patient transition to a healthier lifestyle, resulting in the patient’s A1C reading decreasing from 14.1 percent to 8.8 percent in a three-month period.
“A lot of patients with diabetes just don’t know there is more out there for them,” Duggins said. “My role is to help connect the dots and ensure they’re equipped with the tools and knowledge to live a healthy lifestyle.”
Recently, Roper St. Francis Healthcare teammates, including Duggins, were recognized by the South Carolina Community Health Worker Association for their excellence in leadership, community engagement and programming.
The AccessHealth Tri-County Network (AHTN), a program within the Roper St. Francis Healthcare Department of Community Health, was awarded Program of the Year for its services to residents across Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties.
Duggins was honored with the title of Community Health Worker of the Year for her willingness to “exceed expectations and go above and beyond for her team and the community.”
“Kelly’s commitment to bridging the gap between patients and the care they deserve is nothing short of inspiring,” said Renee Linyard-Gary, director of Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity for Roper St. Francis Healthcare. “Through her unwavering dedication, patients are not just managing diabetes, but reclaiming control of their lives.”
