May 24, 2007 – The Office of the Territorial Epidemiologist, in conjunction with the Bureau of Health and its Diabetes and Prevention and Control Program, will hold a summit on the prevention of diabetes in church populations, according to a press release from the Department of Health.
It will be held from 3-5 p.m., on Sunday, June 3, at the Charles Harwood Medical Complex. The conference will bring together the leaders of faith-based organizations to discuss findings, strategies and solutions for reducing the risk of diabetes and related chronic diseases.
"The frequency of diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the Virgin Islands," said DOH epidemiologist Dr. Eugene Tull. "Church populations are at high risk for major chronic diseases because they tend to be older and more female."
Currently, one in three V.I. residents over the age of 40 has diabetes, with the number of newly diagnosed individuals increasing each year. Tull said that efforts within the churches to implement effective prevention of the disease will make a significant contribution to halting the epidemic.
To register for the summit, call 773-1311, ext. 3237 or 3143.
