The Health Services Authority (HSA) is taking its diabetes education program directly to the districts. This new initiative, led by certified diabetes educators and pharmacists Winsome Jefferson and Amanda Daley, aims to help people manage their health through education on medication adherence, nutrition, physical activity, and blood glucose monitoring.
Starting this month, the HSA will host group sessions every fourth week, traveling across the districts. These sessions will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the following schedule:
- Mondays at West Bay Health Centre
- Wednesdays at Bodden Town Health Centre
- Thursdays at East End Health Centre
- Fridays at North Side Health Centre
In addition to these group sessions, the HSA continues to offer one-on-one consultations at the Smith Road Medical Centre. These private sessions, which last 30 minutes, are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The goal of the district outreach is to reach larger groups of people, particularly those who are diabetic or pre-diabetic. HSA aims to prevent complications related to diabetes through education and early intervention.
“We want to empower our community to make informed choices that improve their health,” said Nurse Joanna Rose-Wright, a senior nursing officer for Public Health and Primary Health Care Services, in a recent press release. “By expanding services to district clinics, we hope to improve outcomes by spreading awareness.”
One person who has already benefited from these services is Caymanian musician James Geary. Diagnosed with pre-diabetes in 2018, Geary didn’t take his condition seriously until he collapsed during a severe hyperglycemic episode in 2024. After receiving support and one-on-one sessions at the HSA’s Diabetes Education Clinic, Geary’s life has transformed.
“Using a blood glucose monitor has completely changed my perspective on health,” Geary said. “I was 428 pounds, and now I’m down to 360 pounds—and still losing weight.”
Jefferson, one of the diabetes educators, explained that many patients underestimate their diagnosis.
“It’s surprising how little many patients know about their condition,” Jefferson said. “Some rely entirely on medication without changing their lifestyle, and others stop taking their insulin altogether. We want to educate people that diabetes isn’t just a mild condition—it can cause serious complications like blindness, kidney failure, and amputations. But with proper education and support, these issues can be prevented.”
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