GEORGETOWN — The La Red Health Center has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Delaware Community Foundation for equipment to screen patients for diabetes-induced blindness.

With the funding, La Red will purchase a diabetic retinopathy machine for its Georgetown office, which will allow screening on-site. The grant will also be used for a contract with an optometrist, who will review the results and advise about care.

Diabetic patients from La Red’s Milford and Seaford offices can access testing at the Georgetown location by coordinating transportation with the Community Outreach Services team. In addition, La Red intends to raise funds to purchase diabetic retinopathy machines at those sites.

“Part of La Red’s mission is to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities in our community by offering care to those who are uninsured or underinsured,” said Rachel Hersh, the center’s deputy director. “La Red’s ability to offer diabetic retinopathy screenings is an extension of that mission. It will reduce the risk of preventable blindness for our patients, many of whom are Black and Hispanic.”

La Red’s CEO Brian Olson added, “We are grateful for the generosity of the Delaware Community Foundation, whose funding is making it possible for La Red to add this life-changing service for our patients. This funding will allow La Red to establish a program that will preserve people’s vision and quality of life.”

For information, visit laredhealthcenter.org.