The Belize Diabetes Association has established a branch in San Pedro. While it may have happened quietly and out of the news radar, The San Pedro Sun caught up with the organizers to find out more about the new BDA San Pedro branch.
The organization was given the formal stamp of approval to conduct business on the island by the National President of the Belize Diabetes Association, Anthony Castillo on November 15th, 2011.
The members of the San Pedro Branch of the Diabetes Association are Chairman – Pablo Sosa, Vice Chairman – Atlantida Eiley, Treasurer – Hipolito Ruiz, Secretary – Lina Hoare and executive members are Teresita Guerrero, Enoe Guerrero, Eleonor Rosado, Rigoberto Kumul and Apolonio Reyes.
The group meets weekly on Tuesdays at the Ruiz residence at 7:30PM. According to Sosa, anyone wanting to be a part of the new group can contact him at 624-8424 or Hipolito “Mr. Polo” Ruiz at 624-3609. The group will be embarking in a number of activities to raise awareness about the new branch on the island as well as fundraiser activities to offset expenses for their educational activities. The first activity is set for Saturday, January 14th when the group will be conducting an all day food sale at the Central Park. Donations and help are welcomed.
According to the Belize Diabetes Association, the last statistics from the Ministry of Health indicates that 13.1% of Belize’s adult population is living with diabetes.
