The Diabetes Association, Inc. (DAI) hosted a luncheon for Portuguese leaders and citizens of Fall River on November 28, 2007 in honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month. The prevalence of diabetes is higher in Bristol County than in any other part of the state and persons of Portuguese ancestry have a genetic predisposition to developing type 2 diabetes. The goal of the event was to provide Portuguese citizens of the Southcoast who are in leadership roles with vital information about diabetes and the valuable services that the Diabetes Association Inc. provides. Portuguese food & informational materials were offered for participants, including representatives of Southcoast Hospitals, HealthFirst Family Care Center and the Stanley Street Treatment and Resources (SSTAR) Family Care Center . Participants were asked to pass materials along to Portuguese families, associations, congregations, and social groups. The event was made possible through a Healthy City Fall River micro-grant. For more info on the event call John P. Quintas at 508-672-5671 or email John Quintas.
 

(Top row, left) Diabetes Association Program Director Bill Daponte introduces DAI Adult Program Coordinator John Quintas to Fall River City Councilor Alfredo Alves. (Top row, center) Mr. Quintas opens the two-hour program and welcomes the twenty-five leaders and citizens in attendance. (Top row, right) Donna Chace of the Stanley Street Treatment and Resources (SSTAR) Family Care Center Diabetes Case Management Program and Manny Silva of  Lightolier listen to the presentation by Robert Rodriques R.N. of UMASS. (Middle row, left) who went over the causes and consequences of diabetes in both English and Portuguese. (Middle row, center) Lightolier employee nurse Catherine Theodore, R.N. and Kathy Lynch of Lightolier listen as Maria Barboza poses a question. (Middle row, right) Diabetes nurse educator Rose Resendes of St. Anne's Hospital compares the different aspects of diabetes care to the four legs of a chair that support good health. (Bottom row, left) Chefs Gary Simons and Joe Barboza from Simply Simons Restaurant offer a menu of fish, sweet potatoes and beans. (Bottom row, center) Catherine Theodore, R.N. of Lightolier and Kathy Breen, R.N., of the Diabetes Case Management Program at SSTAR listen to the presentation. (Bottom row, right) Daniel Cabral, representing the Prince Henry Society, goes over some of the educational materials that he plans to share with his members with Mr. Quintas.