In a significant move to enhance chronic disease management in Saint Lucia, the Richfond Wellness Centre hosted a Self-Management Workshop on Monday, April 14, 2025, under the Performance-Based Financing (PBF) initiative. Held under the theme “Empowering Clients, Transforming Lives,” the session focused on equipping individuals living with Diabetes and Hypertension with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to manage their health more effectively from home. 

Region 3, comprising of the Richfond and La Ressource communities has recorded the highest prevalence of Diabetes in the country. In response, healthcare professionals at the Richfond Wellness Centre have intensified efforts to educate and empower clients in ways that lead to lasting behavioral change and improved health outcomes. 

Enda Antoine is the Public Health Nursing Supervisor for Region 3. “Since the implementation of the self-management workshops at the Richfond Wellness Centre, we have seen our clients take more responsibility for their own health. They are making better food choices, attending clinic appointments more consistently, and actively participating in exercise and wellness activities. These are the small but critical changes that are already contributing to healthier numbers for Richfond, and we’re confident this will continue,” explained Nurse Antoine. 

The workshop is also viewed as a critical intervention in the national fight against noncommunicable diseases. Senior Medical Officer for Noncommunicable Diseases, Dr. Shana Cyr-Philbert, emphasized the value of education in disease prevention and control. “This workshop is important because it helps our clients understand their condition better. They learn how to monitor their blood sugar or blood pressure, identify warning signs early, and avoid complications. Many individuals with chronic diseases are not aware of how much they can control through their daily choices, this initiative fills that gap by putting that power into their hands,” she noted. 

The workshop featured a robust program of health-promoting activities including cholesterol testing, nutrition counseling, health education sessions, and physical activity demonstrations. These were designed not only to inform, but also to motivate participants to adopt healthier lifestyles. 

Participant Pamela Noel expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support and education received through the program. “It’s a good program. It’s really helping people like me who have Diabetes and Hypertension. We are learning about what to eat, what to avoid, and how to check our blood pressure at home. I think more people should take part in this program because it has made a difference for me.” 

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs commends the Richfond Wellness Centre for their continued commitment to community health and prevention-focused care. Through the Performance-

Based Financing (PBF) initiative, the Ministry remains steadfast in its goal of improving the lives of individuals living with chronic conditions one empowered client at a time. 

Read more: https://www.govt.lc/news/richfond-wellness-centre-hosts-pbf-self-management-workshop

Watch video news report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ltXrEJlEXo

Listen to podcast: https://pod.co/government-of-saint-lucia/richfond-wellness-centre-hosts-pbf-self-management-workshop