Podiatry faculty Kathya Zinszer, (center) and Jinsup Song, (right) with executive members of Temple’s Diabetes Awareness Student Association, were honored by City Hall last week for their efforts in raising awareness of diabetes

Since 2008, the School of Podiatric Medicine has been the driving force behind Philadelphia’s World Diabetes Day, during which Temple students, faculty and staff and representatives from several healthcare organizations converge at the school’s Foot and Ankle Institute to offer free health services and educational workshops for the community.

Last week, the City of Philadelphia officially recognized Temple’s efforts to raise awareness of diabetes with a resolution backed by Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller proclaiming Nov. 14 as “World Diabetes Day” in the city. The resolution also recognized the school’s partnerships with area landmarks as part of the “Believe in Blue” campaign, during which iconic buildings such as Liberty One, Liberty Two, the Cira Center and Boathouse Row, along with the podiatry school campus at 8th and Race streets, are lit in blue, the color of diabetes awareness.

“Philadelphia’s rate of diabetes is five times higher than the national average,yet diabetes is one of the least understood chronic diseases,” said Chair of Podiatric Medicine and Orthopedics Kathya Zinszer. “This resolution shows that the City Council is taking diabetes awareness seriously, and it will empower council members to take the idea of education and awareness back to their constituents, many of whom are most at risk for the disease.”

Council unanimously adopted the resolution, and it was presented to Zinszer and executive members of Temple’s Diabetes Awareness Student Association by the Legislative Body of the Council, which includes Councilwoman Miller, Councilman Frank Rizzo and Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell. The resolution will enable the podiatry school to partner with the city on events year round, including additional screenings and awareness talks.

“Education and awareness are the most powerful tools for the treatment and eventual cure of diabetes,” said Zinszer.