American diabetes association's live empowered programs

Diabetes is one of the most serious health problems that the African American community faces today. Compared to the general population, African Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes. To address this growing epidemic, the American Diabetes Association created program and materials to increase awareness of the seriousness of diabetes and its complications among African Americans.

LIVE EMPOWERED COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Our African American Initiatives are a targeted approach to increasing the awareness of the seriousness of diabetes and emphasizing the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices such as moving more and eating healthier.

The targeted audience is all people of African descent living in the United States whether they identify themselves as being African American, Black, African or from the Caribbean.

Culturally Appropriate Materials

African American Initiatives developed culturally appropriate materials and community-based activities that empower, educate and create measureable differences in the prevalence, (the number of people in a given group or population who are reported to have a disease) of diabetes and its complications among people of African descent. The vision of the initiative is a healthier community living free from diabetes and its complications, (harmful effects of diabetes such as damage to the eyes, heart, blood vessels, nervous system, teeth and gums, feet and skin or kidneys. Studies show that keeping blood glucose, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels close to normal can help prevent or delay these problems).

Workshops and Events

Community-based educational programs/workshops are an important part of the African American Initiatives. Through fun and informative workshops conducted by trained Association staff and volunteers, community members can learn more about diabetes, the importance of making healthy food choices, and being physically active on a regular basis.

LIVE EMPOWERED PROGRAMS INCLUDE:

CHOOSE TO LIVE - SISTERS STRONG TOGETHER: Diabetes awareness targeting African American women

ID Day: A day to communicate the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of prevention and control

Project POWER: A 6-part Educational Training Program

Diabetes Complication Series: 2 Educations workshops on nerve damage and kidney damage