New Patient Education Series Takes Aim at Managing Chronic Conditions

BATON ROUGE, La. – Baton Rouge General (BRG) has launched “Pharm Talk,” a new pharmacist-led patient education series aimed at helping patients and caretakers successfully manage diabetes and HIV, two chronic conditions affecting Louisianians. The first class in the series kicks off June 8, with classes scheduled through August.

Every year over 32,000 people in Louisiana are diagnosed with diabetes, and over 34% of adults in the state have prediabetes, with blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. The highest rates of new HIV diagnoses are in the South and in Louisiana, 34% of new cases are in people aged 25-34 and 24% in people aged 13-24. For both conditions, knowing – and sticking to – the right course of medications is crucial.

“The COVID-19 pandemic saw pharmacists filling a critical role as an accessible and reliable resource for patients, from education to vaccines to treating COVID and its symptoms,” said Dr. Raneesha Ford, director of pharmacy services at BRG. “We know that patients typically interact with their pharmacist much more often than their primary care provider, and those interactions give pharmacists the chance to do so much more than dispense medications. They’re guiding patients through complex and chronic conditions, counseling patients and caregivers along the way.”

“Pharm Talk” is structured as a two-part series and will be held at BRG’s Mid City campus from 6-7 p.m. All classes are free, but registration is required.

“Introduction to Diabetes: Lifestyle Changes and Goal Setting”is geared towardanyone with a pre-diabetes or diabetes diagnosis or a caregiver of someone with a diabetes diagnosis. After a brief review of how diabetes affects the body, attendees will learn about the risk factors they can change, how to get started making lifestyle changes and setting goals on the path to a healthier version of themselves.Part two of the diabetes series, “Taking Control of Your Diabetes Diagnosis: How to Manage and Monitor,” will take attendees through the main medications used as part of managing diabetes and the importance of taking them as prescribed, tips on how to best self-monitor your blood glucose levels daily, and how to work toward the goal of a lower A1C.

For full details and to register, click here.

“HIV 101: Navigating a New Normal” is foranyone with an HIV diagnosis or a caregiver of someone with an HIV diagnosis.After a look at HIV myths vs. facts, attendees will learn what a diagnosis means for them and their loved ones, including next steps, preventing the spread to others and an introduction to the treatment therapies available. Part two of the HIV series, “The Road to U=U,” providesa detailed look at therapies and how they work, the importance of properly managing HIV with medication and staying in care, plus discussions on erasing the HIV stigma and resources available for support and care in South Louisiana.

For full details and to register, click here.

About Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with over 600 licensed beds between three campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. An accredited teaching hospital since 1991, Baton Rouge General is affiliated with several medical school programs, and offers other medical education programs, including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program, Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter @BRGeneral and Instagram @batonrougegeneral.

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