Diabetes association introduces prevention kit aimed at Hispanic communities

ALEXANDRIA, Va. The American Diabetes Association on Thursday introduced a new Adult Prevention Toolkit designed specifically for community-based and faith-based organizations in Hispanic communities.

“Personal health matters such as diabetes can be a sensitive subject among Latino communities,” stated Lurelean Gaines, 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.”

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.

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 Sept. 13 in New York City’s South Bronx. Other Feria events will be held in Laredo, Texas on Sept. 20; San Jose, Calif. on Sept 21; and in both Dallas and Miami on Sept. 27. There will also be one Feria in November in Los Angeles,.

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.

The timing of the release correlated with the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

The toolkit was funded through a grant from the Abbott Fund.