U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — November marks National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the Virgin Islands Department of Health is hosting two community events themed “Wellness in Paradise: Fighting Diabetes in the VI” as part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness and promote healthy living.
“I invite every Virgin Islander — young and old — to join us this month for our ‘Wellness in Paradise’ events,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Nicole Craigwell-Syms. “Whether you have diabetes, are at risk, or simply want to improve your well-being, come out, bring your families, and let’s make wellness part of our islands’ lifestyle and culture.”
On St. Thomas, the “Wellness in Paradise: Fighting Diabetes in the VI” event is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, beginning with a Family Walk for Diabetes Awareness from Emile Griffith Park to Emancipation Garden. At Emancipation Garden, participants will enjoy a healthy cooking demonstration by a local chef, quadrille dancing, live entertainment, health education presentations, and information on community resources.
On St. Croix, the event will be held in early December and will include a family walk for diabetes awareness, cooking demonstrations, music and cultural entertainment, and interactive activities for children of all ages. The specific date and venue will be announced soon.
Residents can visit www.eventbrite.com and search for “Wellness in Paradise: Fighting Diabetes in the V.I.” for more details and to register.
Acting Commissioner Craigwell-Syms noted that the events are designed to encourage residents to take charge of their health by making small, sustainable changes that can prevent or help manage this prevalent disease.
“Our territory is facing a profound challenge — diabetes is not just common, it’s pervasive,” said Acting Commissioner Craigwell-Syms. “Addressing diabetes continues to be one of our main public health priorities, particularly as we work toward implementing a Diabetes Registry and targeting prevention at its roots — lifestyle, environment, and access. However, the real change happens when our residents take ownership of their health — day by day, meal by meal, step by step. People can win the fight against diabetes, but you have to make the choice to fight it.”
More than one in six adults in the Virgin Islands — approximately 17 percent of the population, or about 11,600 people — live with diabetes, making it one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the territory. Diabetes has been identified as a leading cause of illness and death locally, and data indicate that fewer than half of adults with diabetes receive recommended care, such as regular HbA1c testing.
The department is also concerned about the rising number of children who are overweight or at risk for developing diabetes, signaling an urgent need for early prevention and healthier lifestyles across generations.
“Our goal is to empower every family to take small, meaningful steps toward better health,” said Lyna Fredericks, PhD, Director of the Chronic Disease and Prevention Division. “When we come together as a community, we can shift the future of diabetes in the Virgin Islands. These events are not just about walking or cooking — they’re about building a culture of health where prevention becomes a family habit.”
The diabetes awareness events are being organized by the Chronic Disease and Prevention Division’s Diabetes Program, in collaboration with the Maternal Child Health and Children with Special Health Care Needs Division and in partnership with the VI Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation.
The events are supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through Award NU8DP007952 and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Health Resources and Services Administration (HHS/HRSA) through Award 6 4 U4AMC53384.