American Diabetes Association Announces New Latino Diabetes Toolkit

To celebrate the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month and to recognize those in the Hispanic/Latino American population who have, or are at risk for, diabetes, the American Diabetes Association, through a grant from the Abbott Fund, is introducing its new Adult Prevention Toolkit designed specifically for community-based and faith-based organizations in Hispanic/Latino communities. The toolkit provides organizations with comprehensive and culturally relevant information on diabetes and healthy living. Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the American Diabetes Association will also be hosting Feria de Salud Por Tu Familia, an outdoor Latino health festival in cities across the United States.

“Personal health matters such as diabetes can be a sensitive subject among Latino communities,” said Lurelean B. Gaines, M.S.N., chair of the American Diabetes Association’s National Latino Subcommittee. “We want to change that in a culturally sensitive way. The American Diabetes Association provides a wealth of relevant information specifically for Hispanic/Latino populations, so health issues can move from personal or individual challenges, to broader community-based solutions.”

“Abbott is committed to empowering people to manage their health through education and information. That’s why this collaboration between the American Diabetes Association and the Abbott Fund is so critical, as the toolkit offers simple, practical ideas to address the needs of Latinos in attaining healthier lives,” said Catherine V. Babington, president, Abbott Fund. “Chronic disease, including diabetes, is one of the global health challenges of our time and we are very excited to be able to work with the American Diabetes Association on such an important effort.”

The Association is targeting community and faith-based organizations with this special resource because they play a critical role in providing important health information and services in Hispanic/Latino communities. Each toolkit contains educational materials, including bilingual brochures, recipe samplers, posters, and healthy lifestyle tip sheets. community-based and faith-based organizations conducting outreach to Hispanic/Latino communities can order a free copy of the Adult Prevention Toolkit by calling 1-800-DIABETES.

Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate in the United States, affecting nearly 24 million children and adults across the country. This serious illness disproportionately affects Hispanic/Latino populations, who are nearly twice as likely to develop diabetes over the course of their lifetime as non-Hispanic whites. If present trends continue, one in three Americans, and nearly 1 in 2 minorities, born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime.

Feria de Salud Por Tu Familia is an outdoor community event sponsored by the American Diabetes Association that captures the elements of a festive street fair while communicating the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices for the entire Hispanic/Latino family. Elements of this event include music, dancing, cooking demonstrations, nutritional information, and speakers on topics related to diabetes. This autumn, Feria events will officially launch on September 13, 2008, in New York City’s South Bronx. Other Feria events will also be held in Laredo, TX on September 20, San Jose, CA on September 21, and Dallas, TX and Miami, FL both on September 27. There will also be one Feria in November in Los Angeles, CA. “

Leave a Reply