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Southeast Diabetes Faith Initiative
Georgia
February 2021 Newsletter
February is National Heart Health Month
American Heart Month encourages Americans to focus on their heart health and get their families, friends, and others to take notice. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women it is also known as the silent killer especially in women.
 
The prevalence of high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) in African-Americans in the United States is among the highest in the world. More than 40 percent of non- Hispanic African-American men and women have high blood pressure. For African- Americans, high blood pressure also develops earlier in life and is usually more severe. (American Heart Association, 2021).
 
Type 2 diabetes puts you at higher risk for heart disease and stroke. Knowing what steps to take may reduce your risk. If you have diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or underlying health conditions, you run a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. With preparation, you can stay healthy. Schedule a time to talk with your doctor about ways to reduce your risk (ADA, 2021).
COVID-19 Vaccine and the Black Community
A Tyler Perry Special
In the midst of a world health crisis, Tyler Perry sits down with top medical experts Carlos del Rio, MD Executive Associate Dean, Emory School of Medicine at Grady Health System, and Kimberly Dyan Manning, MD Professor of Medicine at Grady Health System to address the public's concerns and fears about the COVID-19 vaccine. This half-hour special provides helpful and factual information for viewers looking to protect themselves and their families from this unprecedented crisis. Tackling issues head-on, Perry asks the hard-hitting questions to help the community gain insight into this new vaccine.
New Participants Start
Their Wellness Journey with SDFI - GA!
We promote and encourage lifestyle changes that focus on healthy eating and physical activity. Research shows that people with prediabetes or people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, who take part in a structured lifestyle change program can cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% (71% for people over 60 years old).(CDC, 2021). Joining an SDFI class is a commitment to invest in your health long term. We are excited to announce the 1st of 3 new classes for the 2021 program year. Meet Michelle Collins of Springfield Baptist Church in Thomson, GA; Vanessa Herbert, and Dr. Frances Sampson of Trinity C.M.E Church in Augusta, GA. All of these participants are enrolled in a Tuesday evening class with the Lifestyle Coach, Tramekia Hadden.
Vanessa Herbert
   Trinity C.M.E
Augusta, GA
Michelle Collins
     Springfield Baptist Church
Thomson, GA    
Dr. Frances Sampson
Trinity C.M.E
Augusta, GA
Now Enrolling New Participants for SDFI Georgia
Need Help Staying Healthy and Connected? WE GOT YOU!
The Southeast Diabetes Faith Initiative (SDFI) is a national program of The Balm In Gilead, Inc. The SDFI is a 5-state faith-based project designed to expand access and utilization of the CDC’s PREVENT T2 program. One of the primary goals of the program is to help participants lose a minimum of 5% of their body weight. For most people, this is about 10 lbs. Consider joining a FREE SDFI wellness class if you meet one or more of these criteria:

  • Are overweight
  • Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
  • Are physically active fewer than three times per week
  • Have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy
  • Have been diagnosed with prediabetes by a healthcare provider
  • Have high blood pressure

Ready to get started? Download and complete an SDFI enrollment form and submit a completed enrollment via email to Pat Rand, SDFI - GA Program Coordinator at prand@balmingilead.org.
SDFI - Georgia Class Schedule
Distance Learning Class Schedule
Monday
6:30pm
Tuesdays
5:30 pm
6:30 pm
Wednesday
2:00 pm
5:30 pm
Thursday
2:00 pm
6:30 pm
We are currently recruiting for the Tuesdays and Wednesday evening classes. Please contact Patricia Yates-Rand to enroll today!!
Black History Month
Georgia Black History Facts
Eliza Ann Grier was born enslaved in Mecklenburg, County North Carolina in 1864 but along with her parents, Emily and George Washington Grier, she was freed by the 13th Amendment to the US. Constitution in 1865. Grier eventually earned her M.D., becoming in 1898 the first African American woman to practice medicine in Georgia.

ELIZA ANN GRIER (1864-1902)
Community Partner Spotlight
The Distinguish Men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Let's face facts! Most men, especially African American men, don’t take great care of their health. You walk off injuries. You may not pay attention to signs that something’s wrong. And according to the research, the No. 1 reason you don’t go to the doctor is that you don’t want to hear bad news! But that means you won’t get to hear the good news either or have an opportunity to prevent small problems from becoming bigger ones.

It gives us great pleasure to announce one of our latest Community Partners, the distinguished men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. According to the Office of Minority Health (2021), Men are more likely to get type 2 diabetes at a lower weight than women. One reason is that men store more fat in their bellies—a known risk factor. And more men than women have diabetes that’s undiagnosed (CDC, 2021). Diabetes also puts both men and women at greater risk for heart disease, stroke, vision loss, kidney failure, and amputations.

But some diabetes problems hit guys directly below the belt. Men with diabetes are three times more likely to have Erectile Dysfunction (ED). ED is common in as men age and 95% of ED is Treatable. ED doesn’t have to sideline you. Almost all men can be treated successfully. But you have to talk to your doctor!

Through our new partnership, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. will recruit 30-40 members from across the State of Georgia to participate in SDFI distance learning classes that will start this March.
New Faith-Based Community Partner
Springfield Baptist Church
Thomson, Georgia
Established in 1873, Springfield Baptist Church has a long history of service to the community and offers members a variety of options to serve through a variety of ministries which include youth, outreach, young adult, and a health ministry.

We are extremely excited to partner with Rev. Favors and the members of Springfield Baptist Church to offer the Prevent T2 lifestyle change program.

Rev Frederick D. Favors
Pastor, Springfield Baptist Church
Southeast Diabetes Faith Initiative - Georgia Staff
"Georgia Peach Squad"
Betty Christian
Lifestyle Coach
DeKalb County
Beverly Reeves
Lifestyle Coach
Richmond County
Kimberly Hill
Lifestyle Coach
Bibb County
Rev. James Roach
Lifestyle Coach
Newton County
Dr. Curtis Duncan
Lifestyle Coach
DeKalb County
Tramekia Hadden
Lifestyle Coach
Ware County
Travis Battle
State Manager
tbattle@balmingilead.org
991-624-0842
Patricia Yates-Rand
State Program Coordinator
prand@balmingilead.org
706-496-1036
The Balm In Gilead, Inc.
Where Public Health and Faith Connect
Dr. Pernessa Seele, CEO & Founder
The mission of The Balm In Gilead Inc. is to prevent diseases and improve the health status of people of African Descent by supporting faith institutions in areas of program design, implementation, and evaluation to strengthen their capacity to programmatically eliminate health disparities.

We believe the most effective response to the alarming rates of health disparities within Black populations is intentional action by both public health and faith communities, characterized by equity, excellence, and rooted in a context of competence, compassion, respect and love.