Inaugural Naples Diabetes Conference Set for Nov. 15 at Naples YMCA

Naples is preparing for a star-studded lineup for the guest speakers scheduled to attend the Inaugural Naples Diabetes Conference. The Greater Naples YMCA, in partnership with the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, the Help a Diabetic Child Foundation and Lee Memorial Health System’s Golisano Children’s Hospital will host the Inaugural Naples Diabetes Conference on Sunday, Nov. 15 at the Greater Naples YMCA. The conference is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost starts at just $10 per person and need-based scholarships are available, courtesy of the Naples YMCA. Prior to the conference kickoff, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place for the new Weny Charitable Trust Diabetes Education Center inside the Naples YMCA. The event includes a light brunch and multiple sessions on several different diabetes-focused topics led by leaders in the field of diabetes research, prevention and treatment.

Confirmed to be in attendance are nine presenters including Dr. Mark Atkinson, the American Diabetes Association Eminent Scholar for Diabetes Research and author of over 375 articles on Type 1 Diabetes as well as German-based InsulinNG LLC researcher Professor Andreas Pfutzner, M.D, Ph.D, who is currently working with Health Care Network on a groundbreaking early-detection process for diabetes. Local specialists such Dr. Scott Needle, M.D, of Healthcare Network and Dr. Amy Chappell, M.D, will also hold educational sessions during the conference.

“This Conference is a true collaborative effort amongst many of the healthcare providers and agencies in Naples. We are honored to be hosting it and providing scholarships to make it accessible to all those who can benefit from it. Our on-campus Weny Charitable Trust Diabetes Education Center will be open to the public after Nov. 15 and we hope all of Naples takes advantage of it,” says Paul Thein, Greater Naples YMCA President & CEO.

The event has event caught the attention of the President of the American Diabetes Association, Dr. David Marrero, who made this statement, “The Weny Charitable Trust Diabetes Education Center at the Naples YMCA is an important and needed avenue to provide diabetic support. These services are essential if persons with diabetes are going to achieve optimal control of their disease. As the President of the American Diabetes Association I am very pleased this facility has been created and I enthusiastically support this endeavor.”

Tami Balavage, Founder and President of the Help a Diabetic Child Foundation, had this to add; “The sad lack of awareness and need for a community resource is what we hope to see resolved with the creation of the Weny Diabetes Education Center. This is one of the reasons we are proud to be partnering with the YMCA.”

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Help a Diabetic Child Organization. All attendees will be registered to win a free membership to the YMCA for attending.