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DOH-Monroe Hosts Multiple Events in Recognition of National Diabetes Awareness Month

November 04, 2025

November 4, 2025

 

DOH-Monroe Hosts Multiple Events in Recognition of National Diabetes Awareness Month

 

Contact:

Jennifer Lefelar

jennifer.lefelar@flhealth.gov

305-434-5413

 

Monroe County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) invites the public to attend multiple events scheduled throughout the Florida Keys during the month of November 2025.  In observance of National Diabetes Awareness Month, recognized annually in November, these events emphasize the importance of diabetes prevention and management.

Registration is not required for the following free events: 

  • November 14, 2025
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Community Health of South Florida, Inc.
Key West Health Center
727 Fort St.
Key West, FL 33040
Event description:  Nutrition presentation provided by Community Health of South Florida Inc. and Lower Keys Medical Center, free glucose and blood pressure screenings, free glucose monitoring kits and blood pressure cuffs (provided by DOH-Monroe, while supplies last), free gift cards for those who complete full screenings (while supplies last), prizes and giveaways, lite bites provided.
  • November 18, 2025
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. -- Screenings provided by Rural Health Network.
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Diabetes presentation by Dr. Frank Lavernia.
Key West Library
700 Fleming Street
Key West, FL 33040
Event description:  diabetes presentation, free glucose and blood pressure screenings, and free glucose monitoring kits and blood pressure monitors (while supplies last.)
  • November 18, 2025
4:30 – 5:00 p.m. -- Screenings provided by Rural Health Network.
5:00 – 6:30 p.m. – Diabetes presentation By Dr. Frank Lavernia.
Big Pine Library
213 Key Deer Blvd.
Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Event description:  diabetes presentation, free glucose and blood pressure screenings, and free glucose monitoring kits and blood pressure monitors (while supplies last.)
  • November 19, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. -- Screenings provided by Las Marinas Medical Center.
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Diabetes presentation.
Islamorada Library
81830 Overseas Hwy.
Islamorada, FL 33036
Event description:  diabetes presentation, free glucose and blood pressure screenings, and free glucose monitoring kits and blood pressure monitors (while supplies last.)
  • November 19, 2025
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. -- Screenings provided by Game Changer mobile unit – UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Diabetes presentation.
Key Largo Library
101485 Overseas Hwy.
Key Largo, FL 33037
Event description:  diabetes presentation, free glucose and blood pressure screenings, and free glucose monitoring kits and blood pressure monitors (while supplies last.)
  • November 20, 2025
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. – Screenings provided by DOH-Monroe.
1:00 – 2:30 pm. – Diabetes presentation.
Marathon Public Library
3490 Overseas Hwy.
Marathon, FL 33050
Event description:  diabetes presentation, free glucose and blood pressure screenings, and free glucose monitoring kits and blood pressure monitors (while supplies last.)
  • November 20, 2025
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. –Screenings provided by Game Changer mobile unit – UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. 
4:00 – 5:30 pm. – Diabetes presentation by Dr. Frank Lavernia.
Coral Isles Church
90001 Overseas Hwy.
Tavernier, FL 33070
Event description:  diabetes presentation, free glucose and blood pressure screenings, and free glucose monitoring kits and blood pressure monitors (while supplies last.)
There are two main types of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, which is not preventable, the body cannot produce enough insulin, requiring insulin treatment. In type 2 diabetes, the body makes insulin, but the insulin does not work. Type 2 diabetes is most common; however, it can be preventable by practicing a healthy lifestyle. 

Diabetes Prevention and Management

Several lifestyle factors can help individuals prevent or manage diabetes:

  • Stay active: Regular physical activity helps the body use insulin more easily. It is recommended for adults to exercise 30 minutes per day, five days a week. Walking is one of the easiest ways to start.
  • Nutritious eating: Healthy eating plays an important role in lowering the risk for type 2 diabetes. A diet with whole grains, healthy fats, non-starchy vegetables, and reduced sugar can help the body better regulate insulin.
  • Manage stress: Adding stress-reducing activities into daily routines can help maintain normal blood sugar levels. Getting enough sleep is key to reducing stress. Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night.

Type 1 Diabetes Early Detection Program

This year, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 958, Type 1 Diabetes Early Detection Program. The Florida Department of Health, in collaboration with school districts throughout the state, has developed informational materials for the early detection of type 1 diabetes for parents and guardians of students. This program promotes early detection of type 1 diabetes in children by educating parents and guardians on risk factors, warning signs, screening, and recommendations.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow us on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.

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