In My Community

Judy Goforth Parker, PhD, ARNP
Administrator, Chickasaw Nation Division of Health

I am proud to be a member of the Chickasaw Nation and to be part of an organization that supports the American Diabetes Association. The Association is a staunch ally of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) programs in the fight to control and eventually prevent type 2 diabetes.

The Association historically supports American Indian diabetes programs through its varied and extensive activities to ensure continued funding for the Special Diabetes Programs for Indians (SDPI) grants. As the former Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee (TLDC) representative for Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas, and as the current administrator of the Chickasaw Nation Division of Health, I am acutely aware of the disparate burden of diabetes on Native peoples and have first-hand knowledge of the significant impact the SDPI programs have on delivering comprehensive diabetes services.

Through the SDPI funding, excellent AI/AN diabetes programs have been developed that can serve as best-practice models for delivery of diabetes treatment and prevention services in populations throughout the entire country. I encourage American Indian nations and tribes to follow the example of the Chickasaw Nation and others who provide support to the Association.

Cherokee Nation Diabetes Prevention Program T-Shirt Design

SDPI grant programs support the Association's Stop Diabetes campaign with acknowledgement of the Association's advocacy efforts for SDPI. The Cherokee Nation Diabetes Prevention Program has adapted the Association's Stop Diabetes hand on their promotional materials. Image Background: Cherokee Nation Diabetes Prevention Program adapted the American Diabetes Association's American Diabetes Association Stop Diabetes hand and tailored it to be more culturally relevant to Cherokee people. The hand and eye is a symbol that generally refers to the all seeing, all powerful aspects of the Creator. This design was found on ancient Southeastern Tribal artifacts.

Yi-da-le-wi-s-do-da ka-lit-se-tsi v-yu-gi means "We Can Stop Diabetes" translated by Cora Flute. Click here to view design.