COLUMBUS – The local Meals on Wheels provider has partnered with a diabetes association to expand service to more clients.

LifeCare Alliance announced Friday it is partnering with the Central Ohio Diabetes Association to expand service to clients, increase access to critical health care and continue comprehensive health care services currently provided by the diabetes association.

“We welcome this partnership,” said diabetes association Board President Tim Cotter. “This comes at a great time for our organization, and to partner with LifeCare Alliance, an organization that has an excellent reputation in our community and is respected by both the business industry as well as the non-profit arena, is exciting for our staff, volunteers and consumers.”

Both boards of directors voted unanimously for the partnership, according to a press release.

“This partnership will be a smooth transition,” said LifeCare Alliance President and CEO Chuck Gehring. “There will be no interruption in service; all programs will remain the same. The day to day operations will continue.”

LifeCare Alliance formed in 1898 as central Ohio’s first in-home health care agency and the nation’s second agency to deliver Meals on Wheels. It provides a variety of health and nutrition services to older adults and medically challenged homebound residents of central Ohio.

LifeCare Alliance provides Meals on Wheels to several counties, including Champaign County.

The Central Ohio Diabetes Association was founded over 50 years ago by a group of physicians. Current programs include diabetes detection screenings, examinations, diabetes education and Camp Hamwi, a summer residential camp for youths, ages 7-17, with diabetes, the press release states.

The employees of the Central Ohio Diabetes Association will continue to work from their offices at 1100 Dennison Ave. in Columbus. There are no immediate plans for relocation, the press release states.

“We are excited that five members of the CODA Board of Directors will transition to the LifeCare Alliance Board,” said diabetes association Interim Executive Director Laura Moskow Sigal.

“This merger will provide additional and enhanced services for clients of both agencies. Central Ohio Diabetes Association services will be an outstanding addition to our Wellness programs,” Gehring added.

To learn more about the Central Ohio Diabetes Association, call Moskow Sigal at 614-884-4400 or visit diabetesohio.org. For more information about LifeCare Alliance, call Gehring at 614-437-2802 or visit http://www.lifecarealliance.org.