551 Millennium - Seventeenth Edition HEALTH AND WELLNESS She served as the program’s manager from the organization’s first recognition on September 27, 2002, until her recent retirement in 2024. In her leadership role, Ms. Veenendall partnered with primary care, OB/GYN and endocrinology services to educate and assist patients in sensor use, pump insertions, medication and lifestyle factors. Likewise, she created opportunities for patient peer group support and connection. All of this, in turn, aided patients in managing diabetes and other related conditions. Ms. Veenendall earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire in 1975 and began her career as a floor nurse and charge nurse for emergency room and obstetric care shortly thereafter. When discharge planning began, it piqued her interest to assist patients in this area. A cardiopulmonary rehab group was then founded, where she helped develop patient education resources and earned a reputation for her thoroughness and enthusiastic lifelong learning ethos. Her interest in diabetes care developed after a friend developed complications following a cardiac bypass, and she became a Certified Diabetes Educator — now known as a Certified Diabetes Education and Support Specialist — in 1995. Though she is now retired from full-time work, Ms. Veenendall remains active in diabetes patient advocacy as a leader in the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists and the American Diabetes Association. She was honored at a gala of the American Diabetes Association for her education and outreach. As a part of her efforts to increase the reach of quality patient care and training. Ms. Veenendall also continues to serve as an educator with the Pierce-St. Croix Free Clinic. C hristine Veenendall, RN, is a diabetes educator who has dedicated her career to helping patients in West Central Wisconsin maintain autonomy and manage their diabetes effectively. Chief among her professional pursuits, she founded the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Program at Western Wisconsin Health. CHRISTINE VEENENDALL, RN, CDCES MANAGER (RETIRED) Western Wisconsin Health Baldwin, WI
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