A training workshop will be held in October for individuals who are interested in leading workshops on chronic disease self-management in the community.

This workshop will be held as the Ministry of Health and Social Development moves forward with its approach of reducing chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes in the Territory.

The workshop will train leaders in the Stanford University Chronic Disease Self-Management Program and is geared towards persons with chronic diseases or caregivers of persons with chronic diseases. It is designed to assist individuals to take better care of themselves by learning different ways and methods to manage chronic conditions.

The training session for the leaders is tentatively scheduled for October 6-9 and will be held at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Marine Centre building from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

Chief Nursing Officer, Ms. Jacinth Hannibal stated that self-management complements traditional medicines and approaches because it gives persons a better understanding of the diseases, the prescribed medication and the need for healthy eating and exercise.

Ms. Hannibal said, “Our goal for this programme is to empower persons to take charge of their own health. If you are in charge of your health you know what you need, when you are not feeling well you will know the resources within the Territory to assist you in managing your condition.”

The Chief Nursing Officer added, “This is a grass-roots programme and very simple to understand. If we can help people to take better care of themselves then it encompass the entire population. We are hoping that by bringing this programme on board that we will help persons take charge of their health.”

Ms. Hannibal stated that even though a person may have a chronic disease, that does not automatically mean that it is a death sentence. She said these persons can live healthier lives with chronic diseases and this is what the programme aims to do.

Once trained, the leaders will be expected to carry out similar training sessions in their respective communities and civic organisations. Interested persons can contact Ms. Jascinth Hannibal at 468-2271 or Ms. Althea Guishard at 468-2278.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is committed to improving the health of the people of the Virgin Islands.