PGFD and American Diabetes Association Team Up for "Alert Day"

The Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department is teaming up with the American Diabetes Association in promoting "Alert Day."  The American Diabetes Association Alert Day℠ is a one-day "wake-up" call asking the American public to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

The Fire/EMS Department responds to just over 130,000 calls for service every year.  Nearly 80% of our responses are requests for emergency medical services.  Thousands of these emergency responses are for diabetic related issues and associated illnesses.  Our firefighter/medics and emergency medical technicians are stakeholders in ensuring that our citizens and residents stay healthy and safe.  Taking this simple test will help to educate you and if needed, start you on a path to be healthy and free from diabetes.

Beginning on Diabetes Alert Day, the American Diabetes Association will rally the public to “Join the Million Challenge.” The Association will encourage people to help Stop Diabetes by taking the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and inspiring their friends, family members and colleagues to do the same.

The Diabetes Risk Test asks users to answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risks for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Risk Test shows users whether they are at low, moderate or high risk for type 2 diabetes. If an individual is at high risk, he or she is encouraged to talk with their health care provider.

This year, Diabetes Alert Day is on March 22 and will begin our "Join the Million Challenge," which runs through April 22. During this time, we will be rallying one million people to take the Diabetes Risk Test.

Starting on Diabetes Alert Day, you can be part of the movement to Stop Diabetes and get your free Diabetes Risk Test (English or Spanish) by one of several ways:

Visit stopdiabetes.com to take the Diabetes Risk Test

Call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383)

Text JOIN to 69866 (Standard data and message rates apply)

Although Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day event, the Diabetes Risk Test is available year round.

The men and women of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department want you to stay safe and healthy.  Help your Fire/EMS Department by helping yourself; take the Diabetes Risk Test on March 22.  Our Department's motto is, "Safety First - Everyone Goes Home" applies to your health and well-being as well as being safety conscious for fire safety and injury prevention.

For information about the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department, contact: Mark E. Brady, Chief spokesperson, at 240-508-7930 or mebrady@co.pg.md.us.