A Spokane company is sending free glucose necklaces to diabetic first responders and health care workers around the nation.
Kris Maynard is the owner of Glucose Revival and a diabetic firefighter. He created the necklaces for diabetics who wanted an easy-to-get-to source of glucose that they can consume when they need it. He calls the necklaces a diabetic’s version of personal protective equipment.
“We need something throughout the day. We don’t know when a low blood sugar is going to happen. If we’re not ready for it, then we’re out of commission. We’re not going to be able to do what we’re going to do," he said.
Maynard says there are hundreds of thousands of first responders and health care workers with diabetes around the nation. He’s trying to get word out to all of them about his company’s offer. He has contacted elected leaders’ offices, reporters, any one he thinks can spread the word.
“Diabetics are one of the targeted groups that are most susceptible to this virus and, unfortunately, diabetes doesn’t stop," he said.
As of last week, Maynard estimated his company had mailed out more than 2,500 necklaces. That means his manufacturer in north Idaho has been kept busy making them.
“They told us last week that they’ve lost all of their business and they would have been shut down except for what we have given them, because we’ve been able to have this demand that we’ve been given. We’ve been able to keep them in business as their only customer," Maynard said. "We’re being able to send out a life-saving device, while at the same time creating and saving jobs.”
People interested in receiving a glucose necklace for a first responder for health care worker can sign up at the Glucose Revival website.