2025 PRESENTER PROFILES
Health Access Symposium—Community Interventions and Connections
Sunday, June 22, at 4:30 p.m. CT
Room W181 A-C • McCormick Place Convention Center
Elevating the Hub-and-Spoke Approach—Creating Sustainable Community Interventions
Perina Gaines, BSN, RN
President/CEO,
Black Nurses Rock DMV Chapter
What is your presentation about?
This presentation highlights the impactful work of the Black Nurses Rock DMV Chapter in partnership with the DC Collaboration for Equitable Health—the American Diabetes Association® (ADA), American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society. It showcases community-based initiatives that address health disparities, focusing on diabetes education, prevention, and outreach. The presentation emphasizes culturally responsive care and strategic collaborations that improve health equity in underserved populations. It also outlines the chapter’s commitment to empowering communities through education, advocacy, and innovative programming.
How do you hope your presentation will impact diabetes research or care?
I hope this presentation inspires greater investment in community-driven approaches to diabetes care and prevention. By highlighting culturally responsive strategies and real-world impact, we aim to influence future research to prioritize equity and representation. Ultimately, we want to spark collaborations that lead to improved outcomes for communities disproportionately affected by diabetes.
How did you become involved with this area of diabetes research or care?
I became involved in this area of diabetes care through my work as a nurse and health equity advocate, witnessing firsthand how diabetes disproportionately impacts underserved communities. My passion grew as I partnered with organizations like the ADA to educate, screen, and support vulnerable populations. These experiences motivated me to lead community-focused initiatives that address social determinants of health and promote better outcomes.
