The St David’s Branch of the Grenada Diabetes Association (GDA) will be hosting a Free Diabetes Clinic at the Perdmontemps Gospel Hall this Saturday, 19 November 2022, from 9 am to 12 noon. The event is approved by the Ministry of Health.
This is the first time the St David’s Branch will be hosting its Free Diabetes Clinic in two years. Strict regulations and the economic downturn during the Covid-19 pandemic prevented the activity from being feasible before now. The specific screenings that will be available are blood glucose testing, blood pressure screening, foot examination, and nutrition counselling. The following local nursing professionals will be conducting the testing Alison Mitchell, Kethlyn Mitchell, Sallyann Charles, Tibitha Ollivere, Marcel Alleyne, Lisa Mc Quilkin, Dona Stafford, Shvaughn Mc Sween, Shana Patterson, and Kathyann Mitchell-Victor. Nutrition Counseling will be spearheaded by the Grenada Food & Nutrition Council (GFNC) representatives Stephanie Morain and Charisse Bristol.
Offering this free service in St David is important because of the number of Grenadians living with this chronic non-communicable disease. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation reports that over the last 10 years, diabetes has been the root cause of deaths on the island. Further, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) states that the prevalence of diabetes in Grenada is 13.3%, equating to approximately 10,100 adults. Therefore, one way to help communities such as Perdmontemps is simply to offer an opportunity for community members to get screened and get free medical advice related to diabetes.
In every parish, the Grenada Diabetes Association has a branch. The objective of the GDA is to further the acquisition and dissemination of relevant information regarding Diabetes Mellitus. Chair of the 2022 St David’s Branch of the Grenada Diabetes Association Planning Committee, Roslyn A Douglas MA DTM says she is elated that the event could continue and that so many nurses agreed to volunteer their time, “The healthcare system cannot survive without skilled nursing professionals. It is truly an honour that so many of them agreed to be a part of the Free Diabetes Clinic that will be taking place this Saturday, 19 November at the Perdmontemps Gospel Hall. Our virtual communication methods between the planning committee and the nursing professionals to discuss the event have gone extremely well, and the support from the business community and private citizens has been an answer to many prayers.” To oversee the event will be local physicians Dr Johansen Sylvester and Dr Francis Martin.
Douglas said that such an event cannot take place without generous in-kind support from businesses in Grenada, “I am so proud that so many businesses and private citizens we approached willingly said yes to the St David’s Branch of the Grenada Diabetes Association. I would also be remise if I didn’t thank our sponsors the National Lotteries Authority for supporting our nurses, the Grenada Osteopathic Clinic who took care of media promotions; Clear Vision Eye Center for covering the cost of loud speaker announcements; Orion Transport Services who contributed greatly towards refreshments for all volunteers; Huggins Pharmaceuticals and True Blue Pharmacy for providing glucometers and strips; the Grenada Pharmacies Limited donated hand sanitisers, rubbing alcohol and latex gloves; 100 bottles of water plus snacks were provided by Jonas Browne and Hubbards G’da Limited; tablecloths by Lady Williams; Dr Amechi of St Augustine Medical Services covered the cost of table rentals; and business owners of the community Jane Donald, Mr and Mrs Thomas, Premier Kutz Barber Shop, and Victor James posted the flyers.”
The planning committee is comprised of Catherine Annetta George, Gemma Stewart, and Roslyn A Douglas. Logistical support was provided by Central Health-Grenada. Based on supplies, the Free Diabetes Clinic will cater to the first 100 adults to arrive.
For more information on the Grenada Diabetes Association contact 473-440-0888.
