TEXAS HEALTH RESOURCES DONATES TO ADA NORTH TEXAS

Promotion of Diabetes Education Programs

DALLAS, TX – Texas Health Resources, one of the largest faith-based, nonprofit health care delivery systems in the United States, donated $45,000 to the American Diabetes Association North Texas Office to help promote African-American and Hispanic diabetes education programs in the Dallas and FortWorth areas.
“Texas Health Resources is proud to collaborate with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to help individuals manage this life-threatening disease through prevention and education, support groups, healthy lifestyle tips and ongoing motivation. By supporting the ADA’s Live Empowered and Por Tu Familia programs, we are able to pro-actively respond to our communities’ most pressing needs and offer care to those who need it most,” said Felicia Walker, program director for Texas Health Resources.

The African American program, Live Empowered, diligently seeks to promote awareness of the severity of diabetes and its complications among people of African descent through community-based educational programs and workshops. It also includes an awareness campaign in over 200 churches in Dallas and Fort Worth as well as an annual health and wellness tea for African-American women. Por Tu Familia- or “for your family”- is also an advocate for the awareness and prevention of diabetes for the Latino community. It has been able to reach 150,000 Latinos through fun and creative community workshops and sessions such as, “Everybody Dance for Your Health!” and “Health and Flavor in the Latino Kitchen”.

Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by the inability of the body to produce insulin or for cells to absorb it correctly. As a consequence, abnormal levels of glucose accumulate in the body causing complications. Latinos and African-Americans are most at risk and it affects them in disproportionate numbers: one in two ethnic minority children born today will develop diabetes in their lifetime. The complications of diabetes include kidney failure, heart disease, vision deterioration, and lower limb amputations. Early diagnosis of diabetes helps to control glucose levels, and with the assistance of proper medical care, diet, exercise, insulin and oral medications, the complications of diabetes can be prevented or delayed.

The Texas Health system includes the Texas Health Presbyterian, Texas Health Arlington Memorial and Texas Health Harris Methodist family of hospitals.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to stop diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit http://www.diabetes.org. Information from both of these sources is available in English and Spanish.

Live Empowered Wins Award

The Texas Health Resources Live Empowered! program presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas was recently selected to receive a Stop Diabetes Community Award for 2013. The award is presented to communities that have demonstrated a significant and ongoing commitment to a signature program  of the American Diabetes Association that expands the Association’s outreach and educational opportunities. Evidence of outreach and adherence to data collection guidelines is a consideration in determining award winners. In addition, the effort should have exhibited a strong volunteer/staff partnership.

During the 2013 Community Volunteer Leadership Conference (CVLC) in November, the Association will recognize our volunteers for going above and beyond in our fight to Stop Diabetes.

“We are very proud of what we have been able to achieve in North Texas with this program,” said Quin Neal, Senior Executive Director. “Our success is directly tied to the financial support from Texas Health Resources and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and our strong strategic partnership.”

Serve as the Ambassador for your Faith Based Community!

The American Diabetes Association would like to invite you to participate in our Texas Health Resources Live Empowered Programs Ambassador Training presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Texas.  We hope that someone will serve as the Ambassador for your Faith Based Community.  As an Ambassador you will become the critical link between the American Diabetes Association and your Community.  Your role as coordinator, encourager and motivator, is key to the success of Live Empowered programs.

To assist, in the implementation of the programs a  training has been schedule to provide you with the necessary tools in the coordination of the Live Empowered  workshops.   You will be provided in depth information about each workshop, what to expect when working with your American Diabetes Association Staff  and how to obtain the relevant materials.

The American Diabetes Association is honored to work with you and want to be Potter’s House’s source of diabetes information.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation.  If you have any questions, please contact the American Diabetes Association office at 972.392.1181 ext. 6019.