Vanessa March and Debbie Walters from The Diabetes Coalition of Palm Beach County were our guests on this week’s Forum for Nonprofits. Beginning in November of 2010, Palm Healthcare Foundation convened a panel of local health leaders who were concerned about the increasing prevalence of diabetes; and who had an interest in exploring local issues and solutions related to the prevention and management of diabetes in Palm Beach County. After two meetings, there was resounding support from all of the participants to explore forming a local diabetes coalition. In March of 2012, Barbara Jacobowitz, Chair of the Florida Diabetes Alliance Leadership Council and a trustee of Palm Healthcare Foundation, arranged for two state officials, who were instrumental in crafting the Florida Diabetes Health System Strategic Plan, to provide an overview of state-level efforts; and how a local initiative could link to and support the state strategic plan. M. R. Street, MPH, Florida Department of Health, presented highlights of the Florida Diabetes Health System 2011 Strategic Action Plan. Epidemiologist Tammie Johnson, D.Ph., provided a comparative perspective when she presented Palm Beach County diabetes statistics against state and local data. They can be reached on the Diabetes Coalition of Palm Beach County website here. To listen to the program in a new window click here: The Diabetes Coalition of Palm Beach County 01/31/2017.

Susan March of Bit-By-Bit was the guest on this week’s show. Bit-By-Bit Therapy provides quality and professional equine assisted services to the special needs community within south Florida. They seek to offer diverse medical and recreational services to people of all ages and abilities! They also a free “Horses For Heroes” Program to the wounded heroes who have bravely served our great nation. They have recently launched an “inclusive” volunteer opportunity program thanks to grants and community support that seeks to accommodate special needs teens that want to be program volunteers. They believe in lending a helping hand….or hoof! They are a 
Sheen Mayberry, development associate of the Epilepsy Foundation was the guest on this week on Forum for Nonprofits. The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (EFOF) leads the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. EFOF was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3). EFOF is the principal agency for epilepsy programs and services sponsored by the State of Florida, servicing the estimated 400,000 Floridians who suffer from the condition. It is the sole licensee and affiliate in the state of the National Epilepsy Foundation®, which has led the fight against epilepsy since 1968. EFOF serves as the lead advocate for the rights and needs of people with epilepsy and seizures at the local, county, state and national level.






