Grenada Diabetes Association: Election Results

Grenada Diabetes Association: Election Results 

(St. George’s, GRENADA, August 8, 2017) –  The Grenada Diabetes Association held elections on Wednesday July 5, 2017.  The new members of the Executive are: Dr. Alister Antoine (MD) - President; Ms. Roslyn A, Douglas, MA – Vice President; Mrs. Antonia Sandy Antoine - Secretary; Dr. Roger Radix (MD) - Treasurer; and Mr. Alexis Simon – Public Relations Officer. 

Strengthening the Association and building on the foundation laid is the priority for this Executive.  Since elections the Executives have been meeting to draft a strategic plan, and review the 35-year-old Association’s Constitution and By Laws.  It is their goal to provide more support to GDA’s branches, namely: St. George, St. David, St. Andrew, St. Patrick, St. John/St. Mark and Carriacou & Petite Matinique; stabilize its central office; consider SMART initiatives that will assist with the dissemination of relevant and accurate information regarding diabetes; and establish additional relationships with local and international partners, governmental and non-governmental.

The new executive of the Association recognizes the years of selfless service and dedication of past and present members, including Former President Nurse Rosalind Alexis. Nurse Alexis has provided exemplary service in health care especially in Chronic Disease Management, throughout her entire nursing profession. Alexis has also been: a mentor to youths; an advocate to the elderly and under privileged; and offered humanitarian services to a broad section of the community, in a caring and nurtured manner.  As it relates to GDA Nurse Alexis has orchestrated several educational sessions, health services and campaigns promoting the prevention and control of diabetes in Grenada. Although she has stepped down from leadership, she remains committed to GDA. 

Diabetes can be largely a self-management disease. Patients are responsible for their own care in between doctor visits.  That responsibility over time can not only be challenging but also discouraging, especially if there is no family or emotional support.  In 2011, the Ministry of Health conducted a step survey which showed that 10% of the adult population (25-64) were living with diabetes. That percentage could be even larger now. The Ministry of Health recently reported that patients with uncontrolled diabetes coupled with hypertension or another non-communicable disease often stay in the hospital on average six days costing the government approximately $4,000 per patient to treat. It is the intention of GDA’s new Executive to provide gap services for patients in between doctor visits in areas of prevention and control of diabetes, to compliment the efforts of local health services.

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The Grenada Diabetes Association (GDA) is a Non-Governmental Organization which seeks to further the acquisition and dissemination of relevant and accurate information regarding diabetes mellitus. GDA facilitates these aims and objectives by undertaking activities that will improve the physical and socio-economic welfare of persons affected by this disorder. For more information contact 473-440-0888 or email diabetesresourcecenter@gmail.com