The Endocrine, Diabetes and Metabolic Center receives community support from many outside organizations and has active participation in the community in support of diabetes education, raise awareness and teach prevention.
Annual Fall Festival at Miller Children’s Gives Children With Diabetes & Their Families a Chance to Connect With Carnival Fun
The fall festival celebrates diabetes and growth hormone patients at the Endocrine, Diabetes & Metabolic Center at Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach. Families that are new to diabetes (type 1 or type 2) as well as those families who have mastered the day to day diabetes regimen, come together to celebrated with music, games, refreshments and prizes.
Our patients and families learn to accept and cope with their diagnoses, learn to be patient with a new routine and strengthen themselves with knowledge but still struggle with the daily balance of insulin, exercise, growth and healthy eating habits. This festival celebrates patients and families successes and empowers them with partnerships between other families that are living the same struggles.
Vendors that support diabetes management and care were available to discuss products, and answer any questions regarding diabetes equipment while the kids had fun playing games. Games included limbo, prize walk, musical chairs, crafts, face painting, ball and pumpkin toss. A photo was taken of each family at the photo station.
Two different opportunity drawings took place for both kids and parents. Kids had the chance to win bowling passes, jackets, skateboards, autographed New Moon soundtrack and book, and even a Nintendo Wii® or Playstation 3®. Parents had a chance to get golf package for dads and a diamond bracelet for moms.
Supporting Kids With Diabetes (SKWD)
This is a group of parents/families that collaborate once a month to bring awareness to diabetes. They plan and host community events, such as the Belmont Shore Holiday Parade, the annual picnic and various fundraising events that benefit and support the needs of children with diabetes. They also help support many of the events and outings listed below. Contact the Family Resource Center at (562) 933-8048 for meeting times and location.
Type 1 Diabetic Playgroup
The diabetic playgroup is a group of children with diabetes ages 2-8 years of age and their families that meet once a month to connect, share and support each other through their experiences living with diabetes. The kids meet and play with other kids with diabetes while the parents have an opportunity to talk with other parents that share the same experiences. Contact the Family Resource Center at (562) 933-8048 for meeting times and location.
Aquarium of the Pacific Sleepover
For five years, the patients of the Endocrine, Diabetes & Metabolic Center get a chance to spend the night at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. The campout/sleepover is used to teach the patients about living with diabetes, including using insulin pumps, and enjoying a night with the fish. Nurses, mentors, patients and a doctor will converge on the aquarium for an evening of scheduled diabetic tutorials and the opportunity to tour and experience the aquarium.
care centers 
Supporting Kids With Diabetes (SKWD)
Aquarium of the Pacific Sleepover