(HE-008) A Collaborative Effort in the Screening of Foot Abnormalities for Home free and Low-income Participants with or without Diabetes

Introduction: According to the American Diabetes Association (2023), people with or without diabetes can develop foot problems that can worsen and lead to serious complications. Preventative screening can help catch potential pathology.     

Methods: H.O.P.E+ (Homefree. Outreach. Prevention. Education.) is an initiative founded in 2016 through the leadership of Eva M. Moya, Ph.D., associate professor of social work, and Guillermina Solis, Ph.D., assistant professor of nursing. This is health fair, originally at the Opportunity Center for the Homeless in Central El Paso, put together by a collaboration with dozens of community partners.  This author leads the foot exam station in which undergraduate nursing students and graduate family nurse practitioner students provide free comprehensive foot exams.

Results:

Since 2021, eight H.O.P.E. fairs have been completed in various areas of the border city of El Paso. Several referrals have been made for podiatrists, diabetic shoes, and primary care providers.

Discussion:

It is evident that access to care and community resources remains a concern.  A comprehensive foot exam can help catch potential pathology timely so that the appropriate referrals can be made.  This H.O.P.E. initiative will continue coordinate health fairs in areas of need.

Trademarked Items:

References: American Diabetes Association. (2023). Diabetes Foot Complications. https://diabetes.org/diabetes/foot-complications

UTEP (n .d.) Bringing the H.O.P.E+ (Homefree. Outreach. Prevention. Education)+ to the community. https://www.utep.edu/nursing/news/bringing-the-hope-homefree.-outreach.-prevention.-education-to-the-community.html