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At the Rockfish Valley Community Center in Afton, Virginia on Saturday, Oct. 25 — UVA Health Heart and Vascular team members hosted the second Nelson County Diabetes Education and Foot Screening Clinic. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a dozen volunteers provided free, hemoglobin A1c checks (with results ranging from 4.1 to 6.0), blood pressure checks, foot screenings, and education on nutrition and smoking cessation. 

“These screenings and conversations are the first step toward preventing the devastating complications we too often see with untreated diabetes and vascular disease,” says Caroline Tippett, DPM.

Growing Challenge 

More than 38 million people in the United States — over 11% of the population — live with diabetes, and the number is climbing each year. Diabetes significantly increases the risk of neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, and foot ulcers which can lead to minor or major amputations: 

• 80% of major amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer. 

• The five-year mortality rate after a major amputation range from 40% to 80%. 

• Diabetic foot ulcers drive prolonged hospitalizations, reduced quality of life, and significant health care costs. 

The burden is even greater in rural areas such as Nelson County — a region known for higher rates of diabetes-related complications. Limited access to specialists, lower health literacy, and socioeconomic disparities contribute to worse outcomes. 

Prevention Is Possible 

Many risk factors for diabetic foot complications are modifiable, including: 

• Glucose control 

• Smoking cessation 

• Healthy body mass index (BMI) maintenance 

• Recognition of foot ulcers/early warning signs of foot ulcers 

Primary care physicians are key to early detection, but many rural practices lack specialized tools for risk stratification and reliable referral pathways. Research shows integrating foot screening and education into primary care improves outcomes. 

In addition to Dr. Tippett, UVA Health volunteers included Bernie Ammons, Rhoda Shulaw, Jenny Dixon, Felicia Samuel, Catherine Ratliff, Kate Gugel, Malcom Carver, Sarah Hopkins, Reyna Cartagena, Marianne Wilburn, and Lindsey Cook. They gave their time and expertise to make this event possible —their commitment helps ensure every participant receives personalized education and support to take charge of their health.  

This outreach effort reflects UVA Health’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to preventive care to transform health and inspire hope for all Virginians and beyond.

Call for Community Support 

Nelson County Outreach Initiative is seeking partners, resources, and funding to expand its efforts. By working together — we can reduce preventable amputations, improve quality of life, and ensure equitable access to care for all residents. UVA Health Heart and Vascular Center plans to do another outreach event in March 2026. If you're interested in participating, please contact Bernie Ammons. 

After all, when it comes to diabetes and vascular disease, early detection isn’t just important — it’s lifesaving!