ALEXANDRIA, VA -- 09/11/08 --
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.
About American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association provides educational materials about
diabetes in both English and Spanish. Organizations interested in
receiving the Adult Prevention Toolkit should call 1-800-DIABETES
(1-800-342-2383).
The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health
organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy.
Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the
country, providing services to hundreds of communities. The Association
provides information at its Web site, www.diabetes.org, and via its toll
free information line at 1-800-DIABETES
(1-800-342-2383).
About Abbott and Abbott Fund
Abbott Fund is a philanthropic foundation established by Abbott in 1951.
Abbott Fund's mission is to create healthier global communities by
investing in creative ideas that promote science, expand access to health
care and strengthen communities worldwide. For more information, visit
www.abbottfund.org.
Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the
discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and
medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The
company employs more than 68,000 people and markets its products in more
than 130 countries. Abbott's news releases and other information are
available on the company's Web site at www.abbott.com.
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Contact:
Dayle Kern
dkern@diabetes.org
(703) 549-1500 ext. 2290
