A charity aimed at reducing diabetes on the island has officially opened its Princess Street headquarters.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, was at the event and congratulated the Bermuda Diabetes Association for its work through the years.

She highlighted some of the organisation’s many programmes, including the epidemiology project, reverse diabetes and its pharmacy.

The association’s epidemiology project, launched in 1995, showed the seriousness and prevalence of diabetes in Bermuda.

The association also partnered with Argus for the reverse diabetes initiative, which helps people to prevent or lessen the effects of the disease.

Its community pharmacy is open to everyone and offers prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as medical advice.

Ms Wilson said: “[BDA] has come a long way since it was first formed in 1978, their progress is a testament to the many years of hard work from the very beginning.

“Thanks to BDA, many in our community live full, active, happy and healthy lives with diabetes.”

Lori Rockhead, the association’s executive director, said the organisation relocated to its present premises in August 2020, but because of the pandemic, decided not to have a grand opening until today.

The pharmacy and a kitchen is located on the facility’s top floor and offices and meeting rooms are on the lower level.

Ms Rockhead hopes to hold cooking lessons in the kitchen soon.

She said: “I love [the facility], our staff and clients really like the environment, and people feel comfortable and at home here.”

Her favourite thing about the association, which she has led for the past six months, is working with a dedicated team.

“We are all committed to the same thing. It is nice to have a singular goal and vision,” she said.

To learn more about or donate to the charity, visit its website.