Virgin Islands Diabetes Center of Excellence

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Virgin Islands Diabetes Center of Excellence The Virgin Islands Diabetes Center of Excellence (VIDCOE) was started in the hopes of addressing the ongoing diabetes epidemic in the Virgin Islands.

It is a locally registered 501(c)3 Non-profit.

Their stories, their health , our responsibility .Meet Ky-Mani and his mother, Kalijah Sweeney.When Ky-Mani was just fiv...
20/10/2026

Their stories, their health , our responsibility .

Meet Ky-Mani and his mother, Kalijah Sweeney.
When Ky-Mani was just five years old, he was hospitalized with dangerously high blood sugar and diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. His family faced a frightening reality: limited access to specialized pediatric diabetes care in the Virgin Islands.
For years, his mother traveled to Miami seeking appropriate treatment, spending approximately $6,500 annually on medical travel alone.
Then they found the Virgin Islands Diabetes Center of Excellence (VIDCOE).
Through VIDCOE, Ky-Mani gained access to specialized diabetes care closer to home, reducing the family's financial burden and giving his mother greater peace of mind.
Today, Kalijah is speaking out because she knows other families deserve the same opportunity.
No parent should have to choose between financial stability and their child's health.
📢 On October 20, VIDCOE will appear before the Virgin Islands Legislature to advocate for $1 million in funding under Bill No. 36-0302 to expand chronic care management services.
Read Ky-Mani's story. Share it. Help us ensure that families throughout the Virgin Islands have access to the care they deserve.

Their story, their health our responsibility.October 17 — William Rodriguez IIIA young man's journey toward better diabe...
19/10/2026

Their story, their health our responsibility.

October 17 — William Rodriguez III
A young man's journey toward better diabetes management

💙 DIAGNOSED AT 14. NOW 22. STILL FIGHTING TO MANAGE DIABETES.
Six Days. Six Stories. One Mission.
Meet William Rodriguez III.
William was just 14 years old when he was diagnosed with diabetes.
Like many young people living with a chronic condition, he has faced challenges managing his health, including the cost of essential diabetes equipment.
At VIDCOE, William found more than medical appointments.
He found compassionate professionals who listen, explain his treatment, and help him explore affordable options for obtaining the equipment he needs.
Most importantly, he found a place where financial difficulties are met with understanding rather than judgment.
William's experience reminds us that managing diabetes requires more than a prescription. It requires access, education, support, and dignity.
No young adult should have to face diabetes alone simply because they cannot afford the tools to manage it.
📢 As VIDCOE prepares for its October 20 legislative hearing, William's story reminds us why expanding chronic care management is so important.
Read William's story. Share it. Stand with young people living with diabetes in the Virgin Islands.

Their stories, their health , our responsibility. 18 — Bernard Orlando VanterpoolWhy education, foot care, and early in...
16/10/2026

Their stories, their health , our responsibility.

18 — Bernard Orlando Vanterpool
Why education, foot care, and early intervention matter
💔 HE LOST A TOE. NOW HE WANTS OTHERS TO HAVE THE EDUCATION AND CARE HE NEEDED.
Six Days. Six Stories. One Mission.
Meet Bernard Orlando Vanterpool.
Bernard has lived with diabetes since 2007.
Over the years, he experienced serious challenges accessing timely care and obtaining the information he needed to protect his health.
Following a foot injury and difficulties accessing treatment, Bernard underwent a toe amputation in 2018.
He believes earlier education about proper footwear, foot protection, and diabetes management could have made a meaningful difference in his health journey.
Today, Bernard values VIDCOE's approach to patient education, specialized services, and follow-up support.
His experience illustrates why chronic disease management must go beyond treating patients when complications arise.
Patients need education, preventive services, and coordinated care BEFORE complications become life-changing.
📢 On October 20, VIDCOE will advocate for funding to strengthen chronic care management throughout the Virgin Islands.
Read Bernard's story and share it. His experience is a powerful reminder that prevention and early intervention matter.

16/10/2026

Know the streets? Know the stories? Help others discover what makes St. Croix extraordinary.

CHANT is recruiting Tour Guides who are proud of our history, culture, architecture, and communities—and ready to share that pride with visitors and residents alike.
Join our professional tour guide training workshops and prepare to lead historical tours in Frederiksted and Christiansted. Whether you already love telling our stories or want to learn how, this is an opportunity to turn your knowledge, personality, and Crucian pride into something meaningful.

📅 October 15, 22 & 24 | 10 AM–12 PM
🌐 Apply now at: https://chantvi.org/tour-guide-recruitment/

Our history deserves to be told by people who know it, value it, and are proud to represent it.

Their stories, Their health, our responsibility.October 19 — Vera LindquistHow a radio show opened the door to better ca...
15/10/2026

Their stories, Their health, our responsibility.

October 19 — Vera Lindquist
How a radio show opened the door to better care
💙 SHE HEARD ABOUT VIDCOE ON THE RADIO. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT CHANGED HOW SHE APPROACHED HER HEALTH.
Six Days. Six Stories. One Mission.
Meet Vera Lindquist.
Every Friday morning, Vera listened to VIDCOE's Living Well with Diabetes radio program.
Week after week, she heard physicians and other healthcare professionals discuss nutrition, foot care, and ways to manage diabetes.
The information inspired her to visit VIDCOE.
What she found was a welcoming team ready to answer her questions and help her understand her condition.
Vera subsequently scheduled an endocrinology appointment, participated in a VIDCOE health fair, and gained greater confidence in managing her diabetes.
She has even encouraged others to seek care at the Center.
Her experience demonstrates the importance of community education and outreach.
Sometimes the first step toward better health begins with a simple conversation—or a radio program.
📢 TOMORROW, OCTOBER 20, VIDCOE GOES BEFORE THE VIRGIN ISLANDS LEGISLATURE.
Over the past six days, we have shared six stories. Six individuals and families. Six reminders of why VIDCOE matters.
These are not just patient numbers.
They are our neighbors. Our friends. Our families. Our community.
We urge the Virgin Islands Legislature to support Bill No. 36-0302 and its proposed $1 million investment in expanded chronic care management.
Please share Vera's story and help us amplify the voices of patients throughout the Virgin Islands.


Use actual pictures of the patients and I like this closing tag line in the post

Closing tag line “Their Stories. Their Health. Our Responsibility.”

Their Stories. Their Health. Our Responsibility. Mary HoweHow access to an endocrinologist changed everything.❤️ HER BLO...
14/10/2026

Their Stories. Their Health. Our Responsibility. Mary Howe
How access to an endocrinologist changed everything.

❤️ HER BLOOD SUGAR WAS OVER 400. SHE WAS FRIGHTENED TO GO TO SLEEP. THEN ONE APPOINTMENT CHANGED EVERYTHING.
Six Days. Six Stories. One Mission.
Meet Mary Howe of St. Thomas.
For more than 30 years, Mary has lived with Type 1 diabetes.
Despite carefully managing her condition, she experienced a terrifying medical crisis in 2025. Her blood sugar remained dangerously high, and even dramatically increasing her insulin did not solve the problem.
She was exhausted, frightened, and searching for answers.
Then Mary discovered VIDCOE.
During an appointment with VIDCOE’s endocrinologist, Dr. Gail Nunlee-Bland, the cause of Mary’s crisis was identified: scar tissue was preventing her insulin from being absorbed properly.
With specialized guidance, Mary’s blood sugar was brought under control within hours.
But Mary’s journey didn’t stop there.
Recognizing that people with diabetes also need emotional support, Mary helped initiate VIDCOE’s Diabetes Support Group, creating a community where patients and caregivers can learn and encourage one another.
Sometimes the difference between fear and hope is access to the right specialist at the right time.
📢 On October 20, VIDCOE will ask the Virgin Islands Legislature to support expanded chronic care management services.
Read Mary’s story. Share her experience. Help us protect access to specialized diabetes care in the Virgin Islands.

Testimony Time -Carolyn GallowayThe power of education and diabetes prevention💙 ONE A1C TEST CHANGED HER OUTLOOK ON LIFE...
13/10/2026

Testimony Time -Carolyn Galloway
The power of education and diabetes prevention

💙 ONE A1C TEST CHANGED HER OUTLOOK ON LIFE.
Six Days. Six Stories. One Mission.
Meet Carolyn Galloway.
When Carolyn received her A1C results, she thought about her parents, who had lived with diabetes and depended on medications and insulin.
She knew she wanted a different future.
Through VIDCOE’s diabetes prevention program, Carolyn learned that preventing Type 2 diabetes isn’t about changing everything overnight. It’s about making healthier choices, one day at a time.
She learned about nutrition, portion control, physical activity, and setting realistic goals. But perhaps most importantly, she discovered the power of encouragement and accountability.
As Carolyn shared in her testimony:
“This program didn’t just give me information. It gave me hope.”
Her story reminds us that diabetes prevention begins long before complications develop.
Education today can help prevent suffering tomorrow.
📢 On October 20, VIDCOE will advocate before the Virgin Islands Legislature for funding to expand chronic care management services.
Read Carolyn’s story and share it with someone who needs to know that their health journey can change.

Join the Virgin Islands Diabetes Center of Excellence (VIDCOE) for our upcoming Virtual Nutrition Class on Thursday, Oct...
09/10/2026

Join the Virgin Islands Diabetes Center of Excellence (VIDCOE) for our upcoming Virtual Nutrition Class on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 PM.

This class is designed for individuals with prediabetes or diabetes who want practical tools to make healthier food choices and better manage their blood sugar. Participants will learn how to plan balanced meals, count carbohydrates, read food labels, and understand portion sizes.

The class is virtual, so you can participate from wherever you are. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link, meeting ID, and passcode.

Register here:
Sign Up for the VIDCOE Nutrition Class⁠

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=YhydlZ2o6kCTpOguYDnrGBORT_rfzJlOp7GtiTDNwGRUQk5JWEkzQTE5TU9NR0M2OVhaWDNPMlZONC4u&route=shorturl&utm_source=chatgpt.com

Questions? Contact VIDCOE at 340-208-0260.

Address

4040 La Grande Princesse Suite 3
Christiansted
00820

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 12:00

Telephone

+13402080260

Website

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