What is Your Why?: Storytelling With Type 2 Diabetes Workgroup Member Dionna Ali
According to Frederick Health, 9% of Frederick County residents are living with type 2 diabetes. The Type 2 Diabetes workgroup, overseen by the Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County, is one small portion of the ongoing prevention and management of the condition. Coalition intern, Elena Della Mea, had the chance to learn more from one of the workgroup members, Dionna Ali, to help community members expand their understanding of the workgroup’s impact. Additionally, Ali shared why she is passionate about this health topic in particular.
Ali expressed how she has always had a passion for science and medicine. She took that passion with her as she attended the University of Virginia and earned a B.A. in Anthropology, which she exclaimed sparked her passion for health equity. Ali has an impressive 12 years of experience working for the National Academies of Science Engineering and Medicine.
“Type 2 Diabetes affects people who look like me, as well as people in my community and family.”
Ali says working with the Type 2 Diabetes workgroup “helps bring together all of my passions with improving community health equity in Frederick County.”
Ali, a co-lead of the workgroup, explained how the workgroup has evolved, stating “In its infancy, we would meet once a month and craft action plans for the working group.” Ali and Elena discussed how she is able to bring a community perspective “By attending an African Espical Church.” Ali continues to express “It's been fun bringing professionals from the Frederick Health Department together with the Coalition.”
When asked about who would benefit from being involved in the Type 2 Diabetes workgroup, Ali reassured that “Everyone can benefit from being in this workgroup. These workgroups are more effective with the more diverse voices and perspectives we have.”
Closing the interview, Ali felt compelled to emphasize that “This work is important beyond just Frederick County, it impacts people in my immediate community, my church, my family, and different underrepresented groups.”
To learn more about the Type 2 Diabetes Workgroup’s mission, click here!
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