|
|
Diabetes Association of Barbados |
| ||||
About DABThe Diabetes Association of Barbados was founded in in April 1975 by Mr. John Grace, Mr. Hugh Mapp, the Late Mrs. Dorothy Talma-Monteil, Mr. Don Norville and Mr. Wilfred Ferguson, because they recognized that literature was available for free distribution, but persons suffering with Diabetes were not receiving the necessary attention or guidance for their illness. The Association has had a number of presidents during its existence. Mr. John Grace was the first President, and is the current President. Others over the years have been Mr. Hugh Mapp, the Late Mr. Don Norville, Dr. Livi Forde and Sir Cliviston King. All of these persons as well as the many volunteers have provided valuable service not only to the Association, but to persons suffering from Diabetes. The Headquarters of the Association is at Woodside Gardens, Bay Street, St. Michael, and it has ten regions across Barbados (Northern, Northeastern, West Central, Western, Southern, Eastern, Central Region, Gall Hill, Glebe and a Childrens' Group). These regions hold monthly meetings at which various topics are discussed by professionals, in their various fields related to Diabetes. The Association has a good working relationship with the Ministry of Health. Through our efforts for some years now, the Government has provided medication and testing strips free of cost to persons suffering with Diabetes and other Chronic Diseases. The Association also works very closely with the Medical Representatives of the various Drug Companies, and have been successful in obtaining monitors for members who are unable to purchase their own, and also have been able to have an exchange programme for other monitors where there is no agent in Barbados. One of the things instituted during the past year is a Daily Tip on various aspects of Diabetes Management which is carried in the daily Nation in Barbados, and sponsored by various drug companies. Prior to 2000 the Headquarters Office opened only one day a week to pick up messages. In April 2000 the Association celebrated 25 years of operation. At the time of this celebration, a new era was born, and the Association hired one full-time paid Coordinator Miss Stacia Phillips to look after the day-to-day operations of the Headquarters Office. The Office is opened Monday to Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M, and retired nurses provide counselling to persons suffering with Diabetes and persons who need guidance in using their monitors or administering insulin. Attempts are being made to open later on certain days to accommodate those persons who are unable to come during the regular office hours. Also started in the Anniversary year and is continuing, is a “Guidance and Education” programme which caters to the needs of its members and members of the public who wish to take advantage of the services offered. These services are blood sugar monitoring, blood pressure checks, weight management control and counselling. The Office Library has a number of Videos and books on Diabetes which can be borrowed on a weekly loan basis. In addition to the books and videos, the Association was fortunate to receive a Laptop Computer to enable members to research information related to Diabetes on the Internet. With the assistance of trained professionals, the Association runs an ongoing eight-week programme for newly diagnosed persons with diabetes or any person who is interested in learning how to deal with his/her diabetes. In July 2002 the Association ran a “Good News” Seminar to coincide with the launch of the Diabetes Foundation. Professor Philip James of the U.K. was the Keynote Speaker, also participating in the Seminar was Marion Franz a Nutrition /Health Consultant from Minneapolis. The Education Committee of the Association also held two training courses for members and other health professionals in September 2002, one on Foot Care and the other on Monitoring. The main aim of the Association is to educate persons suffering with Diabetes to properly manage and control their diabetes. All persons suffering with this disease are encouraged and advised, that through proper diet, exercise, taking care of their feet, and taking their medication, they can live longer lives and avoid the many complications to which persons with diabetes are prone. The Association has an outreach programme to schools, churches, businesses, insurance companies, banks, and government offices or anyone who requests its services, especially at various health awareness programmes. It also participates in the Nation’s Publishing Co. Healthy Lifestyle Extravaganza each year. It was held on April 6, 2003, and one of the highlights of the Association’s programme was the use of a hand-held BMI machine which measured the amount of fat in the body. World Diabetes Day is spread over a week, starting with a Church Service at various churches around the Country. Over the last two years we have asked the churches to allow us to read a prepared message on Diabetes to the Congregation. Our Sponsored Walk has been very successful, with a walk three times around the Garrison, ending with a nutritional breakfast at one of the local beaches. For the past three years we have been assisted on World Diabetes Day with representatives from the Life Assurance Association of Barbados. Their main purpose is to run a membership drive for the Association and receive donations to assist us in our work. The various media run programmes for us in the Papers, and various members of our organisation have spots on the radio on the programme “Doctor on Call”. Also one of the radio programmes has a “Road Runner” programme which travel to various communities, and one of our volunteers accompany them to advertise World Diabetes Week and talk about Diabetes. Blood testing stations are set up across the country to allow persons to have their Blood Sugar tested. The Association is dependent on the gracious assistance of its volunteers (retired nurses and other members) to carry out these services. In April 2001 at an appreciation function, awards were given to some of the persons who gave yeoman service to the Association over the years. Other volunteers were also recognized in December 2001, and 2003. The Association is a Charitable Organization and a member of the Diabetes Association of the Caribbean (DAC). It is also a member of the International Diabetes Federation, and comes under the umbrella of the North American Regional Council (NARC). Representatives of the Association usually attend the University Diabetes Outreach Project (UDOP) in Jamaica, which is held in March each year. The DAC and NARC meetings are also held at the same time to coincide with the UDOP meetings. In November 2001, the Association was asked by the North American Regional Council to coordinate and host the Caribbean Diabetes Education Course for persons from all the Caribbean countries. This was a pilot course, and the objectives were to train persons to be trainers. The 34 participants at the end of the Course had to develop projects which they would carry out in their individual countries. This course was a great success, and 26 of the participants prepared their Poster presentations and showcased them at the Advanced Course in the Bahamas November 2002. Currently, the Association is undertaking a Research Project at the Polyclinics in cooperation with the Chronic Disease Research Centre (UWI) to determine the effect of walking and exercise on blood sugar levels. The Association is grateful to the Ministry of Health for its support, and also to the corporate bodies who have made Deeds of Covenants, and the various persons who provide donations from time to time to assist in the work being done for persons suffering with diabetes, as well as the many professionals who take the time to make presentations at the regional meetings. Our thanks also to the Media who highlight our programmes. There is a great demand on our services, and therefore an invitation is extended to anyone who would like to volunteer their services to contact the office by Tel/fax at 246-427-9338 or Email:diabetesbds@sunbeach.net. Grace
E. Holder-Nelson (Mrs.) |
|
About Diabetes About DAB Management Staff Contact Us Join Mailing List Useful Links Feedback Guest Book Disclaimer For problems or questions regarding this web contact
[Diabetes Association of Barbados]. Last updated:
Friday, April 23, 2010
. |