2010 Archive

FOR IMMEDIATLE RELEASE Jun 25, 2010	Contact: Muriel Cooper (202) 263-2829 mcooper@cbcfinc.org
CBCF Brings Spirit Of Healthy Living To Newark Foundation Looks to Build Diabetes Awareness through Forum and Online Program

WASHINGTON – Building upon the momentum of its public health initiatives, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) will launch its Spirit of Healthy Living (SoHL) program, a diabetes awareness initiative from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on June 26 at the Willing Heart Community Care Center at 555 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Newark. This event is free and open to the public.

SoHL supports church-based health ministries in improving congregants’ knowledge of type 2 diabetes prevention, management and treatment options and includes free health screenings, Digital Coaching™ - an online health counseling program, cooking and fitness demonstrations, exhibitors, and activities for children and youth. Rep. Donald M. Payne will deliver welcome remarks. CBCF is working with the Metropolitan Baptist Church of Newark as a faith-based partner. The pastor, Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Sr., will present a message during the forum.

Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death among African-American adults. SoHL seeks to partner with churches because of the institutions’ significance for a population that is disproportionately burdened by chronic disease. “There is research that suggests interventions housed in faith-based settings and bearing strong internal support –a fully engaged pastor, integration of health messages in various activities and a maximized use of resources, to name a few key elements –can have a positive impact on participants’ outcomes,” said Elsie L. Scott, president and chief executive officer for CBCF.

The Foundation is working with Johnson & Johnson, program sponsor, and the American Diabetes Association to create useful tools for program participants. SoHL is an outgrowth of CBCF’s mission to develop effective programs and research to address health disparities. In 2005 CBCF developed its Black Health Empowerment Project, a national obesity awareness campaign designed to educate African-American families about obesity and other risk factors associated with chronic disease and conditions that are prevalent in communities of color.

“The relationship between America’s growing obesity and diabetes rates is evident,” said Marjorie Innocent, Ph.D., senior director of CBCF’s research and programs. “SoHL is a natural expansion of the work we have done with our obesity education program, and we want to encourage Newark residents to embrace a healthier lifestyle and use their local health care and wellness resources to end the grip of diabetes on the black community.”

To register for the event call 888-353-2437 or visit www.cbcfinc.org.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc., established in 1976, is a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy, research and educational institute intended to broaden and elevate the influence of African Americans in the political, legislative and public policy arenas.