Expert can speak to the media on a clear plan to control diabetes in New York City

Last Thursday, World Diabetes Day, the New York City Council passed landmark legislation requiring the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to finally make a clear plan to control diabetes in New York City.

Diabetes now affects 1.1 million New Yorkers, or 16% of the city’s adult population. Without a coherent city plan, both cases and terrible complications have soared. For one example, diabetes-related lower limb amputations have risen by 60%  in NYC in the past decade.

Yet, we know so much can be done, from teaching people with diabetes proper self-care through very effective peer educator-led group courses like the Diabetes Self-Management Program to guidance in changing to plant-based nutrition as an extraordinary demonstration project at Bellevue Hospital is now doing. Even when Health People took the 6-session Diabetes Self-management Program to homeless shelters, the participants had a 45% decrease in emrgency room visits. 

Biography :
Chris Norwood, is a prize-winning author and healthcare advocate, who is the founder and Executive Director Health People, a groundbreaking South Bronx AIDS and Chronic disease peer program. Chris has been recognized nationally and internationally for her work in HIV/AIDS and peer-delivered health education. In 2005, Chris was one of 1,000 women nominated worldwide for a special Nobel Peace Prize for women’s work in community health. She is a member of the Chronic Disease Prevention Group of the NY State Health Department Prevention Agenda Committee. She is also a past member of the Board of Directors of the Public Health Association of New York City and was named on of the 50 Most Notable Women in Health by Crain's New York Business for the past two years.  Chris has contributed extensively to research on community health issues. She is a graduate of Wellesley College. See LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-norwood-b0a2316/