African American - Programs
Diabetes is one of the most serious health problems 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 a targeted approach called African American Initiatives. The initiative is designed to increase awareness of the rates of diabetes among African Americans, provide information about the seriousness of diabetes and its complications, teach the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices, and educate those with or at risk for developing diabetes about prevention, treatment, and management.
African American Initiatives develop culturally appropriate materials and community-based activities that empower, educate and create measurable differences in the prevalence 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. The target 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.
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. Materials and events targeting the African American community are also an integral part of the Association’s outreach efforts to help improve the quality of life for African Americans and their families.
Project Power – Workshop Overview
is a faith-based program targeting the African American community. It was developed to provide churches with a foundation for integrating diabetes awareness messages and healthy living tips into the life of the family and church. The program is designed to increase awareness of the seriousness of diabetes and its complications and to provide easy to implement techniques for improving overall health. Project POWER engages the church in a variety of year-round activities that provide lessons which improve the health of those church members living with diabetes, their families and the greater community as well.
Project POWER offers six educational workshops. Each workshop is facilitated by a Project POWER Ambassador who is trained by ADA staff and provided with a complete implementation guide. Each workshop is approximately 1 – 1 ½ hours in length and provides all participant materials and giveaways. On average, Project POWER modules train 25 participants per module, and participants are encouraged to attend all six modules over a one-year period. Project POWER Ambassadors may host each module multiple times throughout the year which gives all church membership an opportunity to participate.
- Diabetes Day -- ‘Diabetes Day’ is the introductory activity in the Project POWER workshop series. During the worship service the Pastor, or his/her designee, devotes time to talk to members about the seriousness of diabetes, the risk factors for the disease and what one should do to reduce their risk. Following church service, information is distributed and additional Project POWER workshops and activities are promoted to church members. Additionally, participants are encouraged to call ADA (1-800-DIABETES) or visit the website (www.diabetes.org).
- POWER Over Diabetes -- Sets the foundation for all other Project POWER modules. Participants are provided basic diabetes information and treatment. The goal of the workshop is to create awareness about diabetes, management and treatment of the disease.
- ‘Fit for the Master’s Use’ -- This workshop teaches the importance of physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight in the management of diabetes. Participants learn why physical activity is important and how to incorporate more movement into their daily routine.
- ‘O Taste and See’ -- Demonstrates healthy eating and cooking for the entire family, particularly family members with diabetes, and how best to integrate healthy eating into everyday life. Participants will learn healthier ways to prepare food and be able to identify appropriate portion sizes.
- ‘A Clean Heart’ -- Creates awareness about the relationship between diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
- ‘Train Up a Child’ -- This workshop creates awareness of the increase in type 2 diabetes among African American youth and teaches ways to help African American youth become healthier. Participants will learn ways to help children eat healthier, increase their physical activity, and live healthier lives. Activities are developed for family participation and engage all members of the family in activities increasing the awareness of healthy living.
Choose to Live -- Workshop Overview
Heart disease is the number one cause of death for African Americans with diabetes, yet the majority is unaware of their increased risk for heart attack and stroke. The African American Initiatives developed a new workshop designed to educate African Americans about the risks associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Called Choose to Live: A Heart to Heart Discussion, the workshop, is available in both community based and faith based settings. The primary audience for this workshop is African American woman between 35-55 years of age who have diabetes or who are at risk for developing the disease. The workshop is designed to increase the understanding of the link between diabetes and heart disease, identify one’s personal risk factors for a heart attack or stroke, and motivate at-risk persons to see their doctor.
Diabetes Complication Series – Workshop Overview
- Just A Touch- A Lesson about Nerve Damage -- Just A Touch is a community based educational module that discusses Nerve Damage, also known as Neuropathy, which is a common complication resulting from diabetes. The module was developed with support from Pfizer. The most common type of nerve damage from diabetes called peripheral neuropathy can cause tingling, pain, numbness, or weakness in your feet and hands. The second most common type of nerve damage from diabetes is called autonomic neuropathy. It can cause problems with digestion of food, the bladder, and sexual function. This workshop is facilitated by a trained healthcare professional and can be implemented in a variety of settings.
- Coming soon in the Diabetes Complication Series is an educational module about Kidney Damage also known as Nephropathy.
To find out what programs are offered in your area, go to What’s Happening Locally? or contact your local ADA at 1-888-DIABETES.
Diabetes Complication Series Sponsors:
