SpringfieldNewsSun.com

When my husband was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes we were very shocked and confused. The physician said we did not need a monitor just watch the sugar you eat. We needed to know more information. We were supposed to meet with a dietician but that did not happen. Several other appointments were made and we only suffered frustration. My sister-in-law who is diabetic told us to contact the Champaign County Health department in Urbana, Ohio. She had contact with the Sheila Pena who is the head nurse of the Health department. We made an appointment with Sheila. She was absolutely wonderful. She set us up with a monitor after she checked my husband blood sugar. It was high. She did a great job of showing us how to use the monitor. She was very patient and caring. Most of all she really cares what happens to her patient. We could call her and she would answer any concerns we would have. She told us to sign up for the classes that she and a dietician conduct. It was so informative. She knows diabetes and is great at explaining. We have attended seminars and the dining with diabetes classes. Each time that we have attended the classes Sheila answers everyone’s questions even when the questions seem trivial. She takes time with each person. Some people come to class with an attitude but by the time they finish her class they are a different person. She has a way of making people feel comfortable. She goes above and beyond the call of her duties. When our order for the test strips did not arrive I called Sheila. She supplied us with strips until ours arrived. I don’t know what we would do without her. Nurses in the health department are vital and a part of the community.
Nominated by June Shobe