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To address the severe onset of diabetes and its complications in high-risk populations, the American Diabetes Association will convene its Fourth Disparities Partnership Forum April 6-7, 2011. The forum’s keynote speaker is U.S. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin.  Dr. Benjamin will discuss overcoming disparities in diabetes care and reducing the burden of diabetes complications at the Westin Alexandria in Alexandria, VA, on Wednesday, April 6 at 1 p.m. ET.

The forum will bring together leading experts to discuss community solutions and foster collaborations among various organizations. The two-day event will highlight promising practices that address reducing the onset and severity of diabetes complications in high-risk populations such as heart disease, kidney disease, retinopathy, neuropathy and other co-morbidities.  In addition, key elements of coalition building at the community level to eliminate disparities in diabetes complications will be identified.

“Further collaboration is urgently needed among healthcare leaders, policy makers and community organizations,” commented Elizabeth Mayer-Davis, PhD, RD, President, Health Care & Education, American Diabetes Association.  “The American Diabetes Association wants to build upon existing coalitions and create new ones to eliminate disparities in diabetes and its complications.”

Healthcare professionals, community health educators, policy makers, researchers and voluntary health organizations are encouraged to attend the two-day forum.  The forum is free and up to 10 complimentary continuing education credits will be offered. For more information or to register, visit http://professional.diabetes.org/disparitiesforum.

The forum also will recognize those making a difference in the fight to overcome disparities in diabetes.  Dr. Garth Graham, Assistant Secretary, Office of Minority Health, Health and Human Services, will keynote an awards dinner on April 6.