Housing insecurity can have a devastating effect on both mental and physical health. Those who face homelessness and housing insecurity are often at higher risk for diabetes-related complications such as blindness or amputation. Jane Rajah is a nurse and diabetes educator who has worked tirelessly to support residents battling these crises.
For over ten years, Rajah has worked at the Parkdale Community Health Centre in Toronto, Ontario, where she helps educate and support members of the Parkdale community living with diabetes. The Parkdale Community Health Centre offers programming to assist in diabetes management, healthy eating and physical activity.
Rajah has also worked with Bailey House, a supportive housing program which provides subsidized accommodation to those faced with housing insecurity. Bailey offers residents with in-home medical visits, healthier meals and access to mental health support workers. The housing program also helps them develop a plan for long-term accommodation. Through this program, Rajah has seen a significant decline in emergency room visits for diabetes complications and substantial improvements in patient blood glucose levels. She is currently working with the community to expand this program to other boarding homes.
Rajah has dedicated her life to educating and supporting people with diabetes. She is a certified diabetes educator (CDE), a healthcare professional who specializes in diabetes management and education. In 2015, her work was recognized by the Banting & Best Diabetes Centre (BBDC), when she was presented with their Diabetes Educator of the Year Award.
— Written by Shivani Seth