Ocala, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) is partnering with the Marion County Hospital District to hold free weekly classes on diabetes education and prevention beginning on Thursday, March 14, 2024, and continuing through Thursday, May 2, 2024.

DOH-Marion’s Diabetes Empowerment and Education Program (DEEP) is a series of classes that help participants who have diabetes, or are considered pre-diabetic, better understand their condition and self-care.

The first class is scheduled for 9:30–11:30 a.m. on March 14, 2024, at: 

Mary Sue Rich Community Center

1821 NW 21^st St.

Ocala, FL 34475

Classes will cover topics such as understanding how diabetes affects the human body and how to monitor it. DEEP also includes instruction on the importance of healthy balanced diets, meal planning, and physical activities. Furthermore, participants will learn how to identify and prevent diabetic complications.

DEEP is free of charge, but space is limited. Please register and reserve a seat by contacting Melissa Marino at 352-644-2624 or Melissa.Marino@FLhealth.gov or Jessie Driggers at 352-622-3662 or Jessie.Driggers@mchdt.org.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow us on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit FloridaHealth.gov.