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Living with diabetes: insulin, testing supplies and staying well

Use when someone has diabetes and needs insulin, a meter or test strips, a safe way to keep insulin without a fridge, diabetes classes or a support group.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers → · Food pantry calendar → · Free meals calendar → · Getting there: bus and rides →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
In this guide
  1. Check for danger first
  2. Ask what they need today
  3. Insulin, meter and test strips
  4. Keeping insulin safe without a fridge
  5. Classes and groups
  6. Food and daily help from the Mission

1Check for danger first

Shaky, sweaty, confused or passing out? Give sugar now. See the guide "Someone with diabetes is shaky, confused or passing out".
Very thirsty, throwing up, breathing fast or fruity breath can mean blood sugar is dangerously high. Call 911.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7

2Ask what they need today

You can ask"Do you have your insulin or pills with you? When did you last take them?"
You can ask"Do you have a meter and strips? When did you last check your sugar?"
You can ask"Do you have a doctor and Medicaid or other insurance?"
You can say"Diabetes is hard to manage on the street. Let's fix one thing at a time."

3Insulin, meter and test strips

Medicaid and Medicare pay for a meter, strips and lancets with a prescription. Ask the doctor to write one.
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
Medication Assistance Program
575-342-8900
1007 N. Pope St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5:00 pm (closed 12-12:30)
Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly Insulin Value Program ($35 a month insulin)
866-923-1953
· Not listed
Website ↗
Novo Nordisk - NovoCare
MyInsulinRx ($35 a month Novo insulin)
888-910-0632
· Not listed
Website ↗
Beyond Type 1 - GetInsulin.org
Personal plan for getting affordable insulin
· Online 24/7
Website ↗
At the Gospel MissionAsk staff about prescription help from the stuff drawer.

4Keeping insulin safe without a fridge

Most insulin that is open and in use can stay out of the fridge for a set number of days (often up to 28). The number depends on the brand. Ask the pharmacist and write it on the box.

5Classes and groups

Paths to Health NM (NMDOH)
Free diabetes and chronic disease self-management classes
1-833-796-8773
· Varies
Website ↗
NMSU Cooperative Extension / NMDOH
Kitchen Creations diabetes cooking classes
575-202-5065
Silver City · No Silver City class scheduled now; nearest Deming, Thursdays Mar 4-25 2027, 5-8 pm (in person or Zoom)
Website ↗
American Diabetes Association
Center for Information (1-800-DIABETES helpline)
800-342-2383
· Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:30pm Eastern (7:00am-3:30pm Mountain)
Website ↗

6Food and daily help from the Mission

At the Gospel MissionBreakfast and lunch on weekdays, the food pantry and monthly food boxes.
At the Gospel MissionOur case worker can help with Medicaid, rides and follow-ups.

More help like this

Someone collapsed, isn't breathing, or won't wake upUse when someone falls down and won't respond, isn't breathing normally, is only gasping, or is found unconscious on the ground, in a doorway or in a car.Someone is bleeding badlyUse when someone has a deep cut, stab or gunshot wound, or blood is spurting, pooling or soaking through clothes or bandages.Sick, out of medicine, or has no doctor or insuranceUse when someone is sick or hurt, has run out of medicine, or has no doctor or health insurance.Someone is chokingUse when someone can't breathe, talk or cough because food or something is stuck in their throat, or is holding their throat. Includes babies and children.Leaving the hospital with nowhere to goUse when someone is being discharged from the hospital or a treatment program and has no home or no one to care for them.Someone may be having a stroke or heart attackUse when someone suddenly has a drooping face, a weak arm, trouble speaking, or chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, or cold sweat.

See all guides in Health and recovery →

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

Know a better way? Is something out of date?

If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week. See how →
Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.