In an effort to enhance community health and well-being, there will be free blood pressure and blood sugar checks offered to the community every Wednesday. NMC-CREES, with the CNMI Green Growth Initiative, and through partnerships with CHCC Public Health, Hardt Eye Clinic Diabetes Education Center, Marianas Health, and the NMC Nursing Club, is excited to announce the launch of the Walk & Roll on Wednesday (WOW) outreach program, beginning on November 20, 2024. This weekly community health initiative aims to raise awareness about diabetes prevention and early detection, promote diabetes management resources, and encourage physical activity across the island.
WOW will provide free weekly blood sugar and blood pressure checks, every Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the 13 Fishermen Utt on Beach Road, starting November 20. The entire Saipan community is invited to join the WOW outreaches and take steps—literally and figuratively—toward a healthier future. Through walking and rolling every Wednesday, the CNMI community will have a greater awareness of preventing diabetes and early detection.
Diabetes Prevention and Management
According to the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), "Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, or blood sugar, is too high. Left unchecked, diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart and is also linked to certain cancers.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 1 in 3 American adults have prediabetes, putting them at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Over 80% of those with prediabetes do not know they have prediabetes.
In the CNMI, diabetes is estimated to affect more than 25% (1 in 4 adults) of the adult population.
WOW seeks to address these alarming trends by offering vital resources to the community. In addition to free health checks, participants will receive education on diabetes prevention and management and practical tips for leading healthier lives.
A Legacy of Service
The WOW initiative traces its origins back to November 2002, when the CHCC Department of Public Health Diabetes Prevention & Control Program (DPCP) launched the campaign to promote walking and monitor blood sugar and blood pressure levels. What began as a simple diabetes awareness campaign soon evolved into a weekly community clinic offering a range of health services, especially to those without insurance. Over the years, WOW expanded to include screenings for diabetic foot health, cancer awareness, and healthy cooking demonstrations—all while promoting physical activity along the Beach Road Pathway. The WOW was recognized by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention for its excellent outcomes in preventing diabetes
Bringing the WOW Back
NMC-CREES is thrilled to relaunch this important community health outreach during National Diabetes Month 2024, themed “Take Charge of Tomorrow.” This year’s focus emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps to prevent diabetes and diabetes-related health problems. The WOW initiative aims to empower the CNMI community with the knowledge and tools to protect their health and well-being.
“Together, we CAN prevent Type II Diabetes and enhance the health of our community. Swing by on Wednesdays to get your blood pressure and blood sugar checked and to walk and roll with us on the Beach Road Pathway,” stated Interim Dean and CNMI Green Growth Working Group Co-Chair Patty Coleman.
Join us as we take charge of tomorrow by preventing diabetes today. Together, we CAN prevent diabetes!
For more information about WOW, please contact NMC CREES at (670) 237-6853/2 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..