BRISTOL, Tenn. (April 13, 2016) – Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed spreads awareness of diabetes and sends encouragement to those living with the disease weekly through his on-track efforts and interactions with NASCAR fans. This weekend, Reed and the Drive to Stop Diabetes program roll into Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS), to kick off the #IDriveMyHealth Show Car Tour, and show support for some special diabetes resources in the state of Tennessee.
“The state of Tennessee ranks fourth highest in the country in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, so this is an important stop for us to reach those living with diabetes and those that may be at-risk,” said Reed. “The Drive to Stop Diabetes program aims to let people know it is possible to live well and feel your best with diabetes. As I know so well, it’s important to take care of yourself, talk with your doctor about staying healthy, and reach out to your family and friends for encouragement and support.”
Wellmont Diabetes Treatment Centers, a part of Northeast Tennessee/Southwest Virginia’s Wellmont Health System, and Reed are spreading the word about Wellmont’s diabetes initiatives, which are designed to emphasize the value of not only adults, but also children receiving tests and participating in beneficial programs to manage their diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Additionally, Reed will highlight Wellmont’s Diabetes Alert Sticker program, by carrying the sticker on his No. 16 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang for the second year in a row. The sticker is designed to inform a law enforcement officer who is investigating a potential case of impaired driving to check whether a motorist might instead be having difficulties with his or her diabetes. A person experiencing a diabetes emergency might exhibit symptoms that mimic impaired driving.
Further awareness efforts include an opportunity for NASCAR fans to be a part of Reed’s paint scheme in November during American Diabetes Month. Fans are encouraged to share how and why they manage their health using #IDriveMyHealth on social media and at the Lilly Diabetes #IDriveMyHealth Show Car Tour stops throughout the year. The Tour kicks off at Knoxville Food City Race Night on Thursday, April 14 and moves on to Bristol’s Food City Race Night at BMS on Friday, April 15. Reed will be on hand to sign autographs from 6-7 p.m. and take photos at the show car from 7-8 p.m.
For further information on the Diabetes Alert Sticker program, please visit www.mydiabetesalert.com. To follow Reed’s No. 16 show car on the #IDriveMyHealth Show Car tour, follow Reed on Twitter at @driverRyanReed or Drive to Stop Diabetes at @D2SDiabetes.
About the Drive to Stop Diabetes
The Drive to Stop Diabetes campaign strives to educate people about living well with diabetes. The campaign encourages the millions of Americans who have diabetes to talk about it with their doctor, family, and friends and to actively manage their health.
About Lilly Diabetes
Lilly has been a global leader in diabetes care since 1923, when we introduced the world’s first commercial insulin. Today we are building upon this heritage by working to meet the diverse needs of people with diabetes and those who care for them. Through research and collaboration, a broad and growing product portfolio and a continued determination to provide real solutions—from medicines to support programs and more—we strive to make life better for all those affected by diabetes around the world. For more information, visit www.lillydiabetes.com or follow us on Twitter: @LillyDiabetes.
About The American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, the Association’s mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.
About Wellmont Health System
Wellmont Health System is a leading provider of health care services for Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, delivering top-quality, comprehensive health care, wellness, and long-term care services across the region. Wellmont facilities include Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tenn.; Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, Tenn.; Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Norton, Va.; Lonesome Pine Hospital in Big Stone Gap, Va.; Hawkins County Memorial Hospital in Rogersville, Tenn.; and Hancock County Hospital in Sneedville, Tenn. For more information about Wellmont, please visit www.wellmont.org.
