The Central Peninsula Diabetes Center, a dedicated facility for diabetes care that is part of Central Peninsula Hospital, has been seeing patients since October and held a grand opening Monday.

A press release from the hospital says that the center, which saw its first patients on Oct. 23, fills a space identified in a community needs assessment the hospital conducted in 2022. The newly opened facility is on West Katmai Avenue, across the road from the hospital.

“At the heart of the diabetes center is Anna Boutwell, (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse), a highly skilled and compassionate provider with extensive experience in diabetes management,” the release reads.

The center is focused on “a referral-based, team-oriented approach,” it says, wherein Boutwell will collaborate with primary care providers and endocrinologists.

Another focus of the center is patient education. At the grand opening, Crystal Allen, MPH, RN, said she leads healthy nutrition and risk factor reduction for Type 2 diabetes. She said that can include folks who are prediabetic, who can take steps to decrease their likelihood of developing the condition, as well as guiding those who are recently diagnosed — particularly but not necessarily children.

That education, as well as “in-depth care” and analysis of a patient’s condition and tests, Allen said, are some of the benefits of having the dedicated facility locally. She described the services provided at the diabetes center as being supplemental to an existing relationship with a primary care provider.

Allen showcased books for children that cover managing diabetes in different situations like at school, while playing sports, or while at a sleepover. The center also has cookbooks and other sources of information for patients. All the books, including some given out to patients of the center, are provided by the Central Peninsula Health Foundation, she said.

“We look forward to serving our community with a focus on patient-centered care, education, and a collaborative approach, aiming to improve the lives of those living with diabetes and ensure a healthy future for all,” the release reads.

The operating hours of the center are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, visit cpgh.org/diabetes.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

Educational materials fill a countertop at the Central Peninsula Diabetes Center in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

An empty room awaits patients at the Central Peninsula Diabetes Center in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Snow falls atop the Central Peninsula Diabetes Center in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. The office opened in October, but a grand opening was held this week. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)