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14 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | NWADG.COM/YOUATYOURBEST MAY - BEST NURSES | SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2017 Diabetes is a dangerous epi- demic across America, but nurses like Elaine Arthur are committed to doing something to help those who are battling the disease. Arthur, a Registered Nurse at Washington Regional's Crossroads Medical Clinic in Harrison, has made a huge impact on the lives of her community in regards to diabetic education. She has gotten those with diabetes desperately needed supplies, information and education to help them get their diabetes under control. She organized a community diabetes day, involving many speakers in a place where the need is very great. A winner in 2013, she has been chosen as second runner-up in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's Best Nurses for 2017. "I know of many in our local diabetes support groups who owe their lives to Elaine," diabetes patient Kathy Peach said. "She doesn't just give information but walks along side of you, giving the love, encourage- ment and support needed to obtain success. Elaine goes way over and above what most would do. I have never seen her turn away someone in need of assistance. Our community is a much better place because of her." Arthur says she doesn't re- member a time when she didn't grow up wanting to be a nurse. Originally from Orlando, she moved to Arkan- sas in 2000 and has been at Cross- roads Medical Clinic for just over 10 years. In addition to her duties at Crossroads Medical Clinic, she helps out the Labor and Delivery de- partment at Northwest Arkansas Re- gional Medical Center on weekends. While she initially didn't intend to focus so much on diabetes, she no- ticed there was a big need for diabe- tes education in the area and wanted to À ll it. "I was looking at our charts and statistics on patients from Boone County and it seemed like almost half of them either had pre-diabe- tes or diabetes," Arthur said. "I just wanted to help those people and be able to do something about it." Arthur created a project seven years ago called Healthy Harvest, which encourages people to grow gardens and donate the produce with dried beans to local food shelters with recipes on healthy eating. She says she has been able to get around 50 businesses to donate food for the cause. The next Healthy Harvest will be on Oct. 21. "I really want everyone to know that I wouldn't be the nurse I am if it wasn't for the team I work with," she said. "Everyone in our clinic works very hard to make sure our patients come À rst and that their healthcare needs are being met. Yes I love helping my patients, and yes I do whatever I can to meet their needs and those in our community, but I work with the best of the best team. Melissa, Meaghan, Alana, Kassan- dra, Justina, Melinda, Mary Ann, Kayla, Jessica, Pat, Amanda, Jaime, Sarah, Stacy, Michelle, Ruth, Bill, Dr. Causey, Dr. Chu and Dr. Jackson. We struggle, we get frustrated, we sometimes want to cry sad and happy tears because we love what we do." Arthur Credits her Team for Much Success in Helping the Community OfÀ ce Manager Michelle Cross (left) with Elaine Arthur, who was named second runner-up in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's Best Nurses for 2017. BY JUSTIN FREEMAN NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE NWA BEST NURSES 2017