Dr. Kristina Kokorelias Wins 2024 Catalyst Grant for Diabetes Health Equity Project

We are proud to announce that RSI alumna and faculty member, Dr. Kristina Kokorelias, is a recipient of the prestigious 2024 Catalyst Grants from the Novo Nordisk Network for Healthy Populations at the University of Toronto. This recognition highlights the incredible impact of RSI alumni in advancing rehabilitation science and improving public health outcomes.

Dr. Kokorelias, along with her co-investigator Dr. Michael Kalu, has been awarded funding for their project titled "Empowering Health Equity Through Prevention and Self-Management: Co-Designing Culturally-Tailored Pre-Clinical & Diabetes Education for Black Older Adults in Peel." The project focuses on addressing the disproportionate risk of type 2 diabetes among Black older adults by co-designing a culturally-tailored self-management tool that better supports this community. Collaborating with community organizations, older Black adults with diabetes, family caregivers, and clinicians, the project aims to empower individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary to manage their health effectively.

This project reflects RSI alumni’s commitment to improving health equity and addressing critical health challenges. Dr. Kokorelias’ work stands out as an excellent example of how interdisciplinary approaches in rehabilitation research can lead to impactful health solutions tailored to the needs of underserved communities.

Congratulations to Dr. Kokorelias on this remarkable achievement, and we look forward to seeing how her work positively affects the lives of Black older adults living with or at risk of diabetes in Peel Region.