Jacque Spence presents a Certificate of Appreciation to U.S. Ambassador Martha Campbell
U.S. Ambasador, Martha L. Campbell attends Wellness Center graduation
Diabetes Wellness Center Appreciates US Support
November 2010
Cheri Larsen Malloy
Another 25 healthy graduates joins the ranks of successful lifestyle change by completing the intervention program at the Diabetes Wellness Center last Wednesday evening.
A graduation ceremony was held to recognize program participants. Honored guests included US Ambassador Martha L. Campbell, Health Service Director of Health Promotion, Ione DeBrum, and Canvasback Missions founder Jacque Spence.
US Ambassador Campbell was there to help celebrate the occasion and congratulate the group.
“The US is pleased that we could help support this program,” and “is really proud to be working with the Wellness Center,” said Campbell. “Each of you is an ambassador for a healthy lifestyle,” she told them.
The ambassador shared that she is personally a big fan of the Wellness Center and that
she frequently dines at the program’s restaurant with visiting dignitaries.
DeBrum then addressed the graduates and encouraged them to continue the healthy lifestyle behaviors they have learned. “This is not the end; this is only the beginning,” she said. She challenged each of them to continue walking every day for at least 30 minutes.
DeBrum then spontaneously invited each participant to become members of the first Diabetes Coalition, beginning next month. November is recognized as Diabetes Month in the RMI, and this year the Ministry of Health intends to form a panel to address and discuss diabetes issues.,
DeBrum said that the Ministry of Health looks forward to linking together even more in the future with the Wellness Center.
Wellness Center Director, Denis Yates then took time to acknowledge the importance of funders and staff to the program’s continued success.
“It takes all of us, a whole team, to make this happen. The Ministry of Health, the US Embassy, Canvasback, and the Wellness Center” each played an important role, Yates said. “We are so grateful for the support.”
Photo courtesy of Derrain Cook
