Collaboration, education, and personalized care are at the heart of Open Arms Free Clinic\u2019s diabetes practice\u2014an approach that is making a measurable difference in patients\u2019 health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since June 2024, participants have seen an average reduction of 33% in their A1C levels<\/strong>, a key marker of long-term blood sugar control. This success reflects more than numbers\u2014it reflects relationships, trust, and shared learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the center of this work are volunteer nurse practitioner Gretchen Geist<\/strong> and staff pharmacy manager Meagan Markovich<\/strong>, who bring together their knowledge, skills, and compassion to walk alongside patients in their health journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Gretchen, relationships are everything. After decades as a nurse, she returned to school to become a nurse practitioner and chose to volunteer at Open Arms because of the freedom to connect deeply with patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI just chose to come here because of the freedom to establish relationships with people, to work with those who truly respect and value your gifts and skills,\u201d Gretchen shared.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n She listened when patients voiced their frustrations\u2014rotating providers, changing medications, and little involvement in their care. Gretchen responded by reviewing labs together with patients, inviting them into the conversation, and empowering them through education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When Meagan joined the clinic three years ago, she and Gretchen quickly discovered the strength of their partnership. They began creating individualized care plans that draw on their unique expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGretchen has enough faith in me and sees the impact that a pharmacist can make,\u201d Meagan said.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Both emphasize that this approach is not new to Open Arms\u2014it is part of the clinic\u2019s DNA. Building rapport, cultivating trust, and meeting patients where they are is central to their work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of shared decision making. There\u2019s a lot of teaching. There\u2019s a lot of care that happens when you plan it the right way,\u201d Gretchen said.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Together, Gretchen and Meagan take time at every visit to talk with patients about nutrition, lifestyle, and how medications support their health. Education is delivered in small, meaningful pieces and reinforced with each encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Importantly, they create space for choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m not going to force them to do something. I\u2019m just recommending. This is their life and their decisions. We\u2019re there to help,\u201d Gretchen explained.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Meagan added,<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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