On Thursday, November 14th, One Brooklyn Health (OBH) hosted an impactful event in honor of World Diabetes Day, bringing together patients, healthcare providers and community members to raise awareness, share knowledge and celebrate the progress made in managing diabetes.
The event, which took place at the Pierre Toussaint Health Clinic, at 1110 Eastern Parkway, highlighted the importance of early detection, healthy living and the support networks available to those living with the condition.
Dr. Kurt Kodroff, an endocrinologist and chief quality officer at OBH, spoke about the significance of the day. “World Diabetes Day is a celebration of the dedication and effort we put into helping our patients navigate their health journey,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for us to work closely with the community, provide education and offer solutions to manage diabetes effectively.”
A Personal Journey of Resilience
Among the event’s guests was Desiree Ali, a Brooklyn resident who shared her inspiring journey in managing Type 2 diabetes. Ali, who lives in Crown Heights, recounted her struggles with the condition, which became difficult to control. “A couple of years ago, my diabetes was way out of control. My doctor recommended Dr. Kodroff, and I came here for help,” she shared.
Ali’s story took a positive turn when she was introduced to an insulin pump, a tool that helped her gain better control over her condition. Despite facing personal and financial challenges, including job loss, Ali remained committed to improving her health, attending appointments and staying on track with her care.
“I’ve learned that it’s not how much you eat, it’s what you eat,” Ali emphasized. Through persistence and a strong belief in her faith, she saw a dramatic improvement in her A1C levels, dropping from 11 to 7. “I’m just happy now, and I’m proud of myself for taking care of my health. Faith and self-love have kept me going,” Ali said.
Highlighting Community Contributions
Shawna K. Hines, the owner of Verdure, a vegan Jamaican restaurant in Canarsie, also attended the event as a vendor. Hines shared her journey of transitioning to veganism and how it inspired her to open Verdure six years ago.
“Turning vegan changed my life,” Hines revealed. “I struggled with high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems and high cholesterol. Since transitioning, all those issues have been resolved.”
Hines chose to establish her restaurant in Canarsie to serve the community she grew up in and address the health disparities disproportionately affecting black and lower-income populations. “A lot of restaurants like this are in predominantly white neighborhoods, but the need is here. Our community faces high rates of diabetes and high blood pressure,” Hines explained.
Verdure’s participation in the event came through a connection with a nurse who frequents the restaurant. “The second she invited us, I said absolutely. We’re thrilled to be part of something so meaningful,” Hines said.
A Celebration of Progress and Education
Tahisha Solage, OBH’s Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, underscored the collaborative spirit of the event. “This day is about recognizing and celebrating the patients who have made progress in their health journey. We also aim to educate them about the latest technologies available to help manage diabetes,” Solage explained.
The event featured cooking demonstrations with diabetes-friendly meals and snacks provided by community partners like Verdure and Simply Sweet. These organizations donated healthy foods and desserts with no added sugar or artificial fillers, ensuring that diabetes management could be both nutritious and delicious.
Addressing Cultural Challenges in Diabetes Care
Dr. Kodroff spoke about the challenges of addressing cultural diets in diabetes care. “Our goal is to help patients find healthy alternatives that respect their cultural preferences while promoting better health,” he said. He emphasized the importance of avoiding ultra-processed foods in favor of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole foods.
Empowering Patients through Education
One of the standout services offered at OBH is the Diabetes Education Class, which provides support and practical advice for managing the condition. “These classes are free and give participants the tools and knowledge they need to take control of their health,” Dr. Kodroff said.
The event underscored the importance of community partnerships, education and resources available for those affected by diabetes. As Solage put it, “This is an event that continues to grow each year, and we’re committed to making it better and more impactful as time goes on.”
For individuals seeking more information about diabetes care or looking to get involved in upcoming health initiatives, One Brooklyn Health remains a vital resource in the community. To learn more, visit onebrooklynhealth.org or call 718-555-1234.
Together, with faith, knowledge and community support, managing diabetes is not just possible—it’s empowering.
Photos courtesy of One Brooklyn Health
