Both Venango and Clarion counties have a high death rate for the disease.

A growing diabetes problem in the region has prompted the Venango County Diabetes Task Force to organize a pilgrimage of sorts to Pittsburgh next month.

"Venango and Clarion counties have a high death rate for diabetes and the number of our school-aged children who have diabetes is higher than the state average," Oil City businessman and diabetic Rod Beichner said. "We thought this was a chance to provide some information."

The task force has organized a charter bus trip to Diabetes Expo on Saturday, Aug. 23, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. The exposition is sponsored by the American Diabetes Association.

Admittance to the expo is free and the task force has enlisted financial support from three local physicians, the UPMC Northwest Auxiliary and the Venango Area Community Foundation to reduce the bus ticket price for the Pittsburgh trip to $5 a person.

"The task force goal is to reduce the incidence of diabetes and promote cardiovascular health through prevention strategies, early identification, education and advocacy," noted a task force statement. "For this reason, the Expo bus trip offers a day of fun, information and education for all ages."

Diabetes affects more than 20 million individuals in the U.S., said Beichner, and more than 8 percent of adults 18 and older in Pennsylvania have been diagnosed with diabetes.

"Of the 67 counties, Venango County has the highest rate of diabetes per capita," he said.

What's offered

The Pittsburgh expo will offer healthy cooking demonstrations, health screenings, guest speakers, latest diabetes-related products and services and more. Medical professionals will be on hand to answer questions.

Sports and entertainment personalities will meet expo participants and sign autographs. The Pitt men and women's basketball teams as well as the Pittsburgh Pirates Parrot will attend. Activities will include a rock climbing wall, dance demonstrations, aerobics and entertainment. There will be an interactive area for children.

Seats on the charter buses are open to all ages and all area residents, Beichner said. The buses will depart from UPMC Northwest Hospital at 7 a.m. Aug. 23 and return home by 6 p.m. Participants will be responsible for their own meals.

Bus reservations are due by Wednesday, July 23, and may be made by calling the Pennsylvania Department of Health office in Seneca at 677-0672. Seating will be limited.

The reduced cost travel arrangements were made possible through a cooperative effort among UPMC Northwest, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Venango County Diabetes Task Force.