Georgia Newsletter | March 2024 | View as Webpage

March 26th is Diabetes Alert Day®

Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day “wake-up call” focusing on the seriousness of type 2 diabetes and the importance of understanding your risk. Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States. It is more common among people who identify as racial and ethnic minority groups or have lower socioeconomic statuses. According to data from the American Diabetes Association, in 2021, 38.4 million Americans, or 11.6% of the population, had type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, African Americans have the 2nd highest prevalence of type 2 diabetes, almost double the prevalence of White Americans.

The good news is that type 2 Diabetes can be prevented or delayed. Research shows that individuals can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by implementing the following lifestyle changes:

Lose weight and keep it off (usually, 5% to 7% of your current weight)
Move more
Eat healthy foods most of the time

If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes or are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, we can help you make long-term lifestyle changes that will improve your overall health and quality of life. The Southeast Diabetes Faith Initiative (SDFI) is a multi-state faith-based program of The Balm In Gilead, Inc. The primary goal is to expand access to and utilization of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP).

Join a Diabetes Alert Day Healthy Cooking Demo! Tuesday March, 26th at noon (EST)

Fort Valley State University and

Morehouse School Of Medicine Co-Host

"Giants Serving Goliath Community Health Expo 2024"

Photo Caption: Dr. Gaberial Russell, Patricia Yates-Rand, and Dr. St. Jude Emokapare

Historically, HBCUs are known for coming together only during a Saturday football game or similar sporting event. However, on February 3, 2024, two of the top Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) in Georgia, Fort Valley State University and Morehouse School of Medicine, partnered to co-host “Giants Serving Goliath Community Health Expo 2024."

With deep roots in the church, Ms. Patricia Yates-Rand, Georgia State Manager, chose this name based on a biblical story. "I believe that every HBCU should be of some service to the communities that surround their campus," states Ms. Yates-Rand. She is a Fort Valley native and Fort Valley State University alumna, along with both of her parents.

Morehouse School of Medicine third-year medical students and Fort Valley State University second-year nursing students provided free blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose screenings. Over 29 social services/healthcare professionals provided a range of health screenings and referral services free to students and community members.

A total of 215 recieved free health screenings and other services offered during the one-day event. Approximately 130 people were screened for hypertension and prediabetes, 50 people received eye screenings, and 30 men recieved prostate screenings. Based on attendee feedback, 80% of individuals stated they had never attended a health event of this magnitude. Fort Valley City Mayor Jeff Lundy and several Council members participated and the event received media coverage from several local newspapers, WMAZ Channel 13 News, and a local Hispanic online news station.

Participant Success Story

Micheal Yancy

Micheal Yancy participated in the Healthy Men of Omega (HMO) SDFI class. The HMO class consisted of members of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and included members from across the state. During the class, Mr. Yancy learned about portion sizes and healthier food choices that can help with losing and maintaining a healthy weight. He enlisted one of his fraternity brothers, a chef, to teach him how to prepare healthy meals weekly. He also learned about the importance of staying active and started golfing more to increase his physical activity levels. These lifestyle changes helped him lose 36 pounds over the course of the program.

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 21, 2024: After School S.T.E.M

Forest Park High School

5452 Phillips Drive, Forest Park, GA

March 30, 2024: Spring Community Health Fair

Location: Festival Park

310 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Fort Valley, GA

April 3, 2024: Atlanta Heart Health Fair

Location: Atlanta Technical College

1560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA

Date (TBA): Cream of the Crop Black Farmers’ Market

Location: Leroy Rogers Senior Center

315 W 2nd St., Tifton, GA

Why Participate in SDFI

From start to finish, every individual who participates in the Southeast Diabetes Faith Initiative (SDFI) will be empowered with life skills to transform habitual everyday choices into life-changing decisions to create a healthy lifestyle —

Educate. Transform. Live.

Access Your Risk

One in 3 US adults has prediabetes and is at high risk for type 2 diabetes.

If you suffer from prediabetes or other risk factors of type 2 diabetes, you can make a change to improve your health.

Could You Have Prediabetes? Take this 1-minute test to find out your risk for prediabetes.

Take the Risk Test

Session Zero Informational

Interested in learning more about SDFI? During Session Zero Informational, prospective participants will learn more about our yearlong lifestyle change program, meet Lifestyle coaches, and become familiar with course technology. You will discover what to expect and determine your program eligibility. Session Zero classes meet virtually and are offered at no cost.

Visit Our Website

Ready to start your journey?

Contact Patricia Yates-Rand at prand@balmingilead.org or 706.496.1036 for specific class days and times. You can also visit our website to have a member of the Southeast Diabetes Faith Initiative contact you regarding program enrollment. Please allow up to 48 hours for follow-up.

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March 26th is Diabetes Alert Day®

Participant Success Story

﻿Micheal Yancy

Micheal Yancy