Lilly U.S.A. hires singer Angie Stone to promote diabetes awareness

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. A drug maker is sponsoring an initiative to raise awareness of diabetes among African-Americans and has hired a Grammy-nominated singer to help promote it.

Lilly U.S.A., a subsidiary of Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly & Co., has enlisted Angie Stone to go to Birmingham, Ala., to help promote the Fearless African-Americans Connected and Empowered Diabetes initiative and encourage those living with diabetes to take control of their disease, Lilly announced Monday. 

The event will take place Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the More Than Conquerer Faith Church, at 1327 Dennison Ave., Birmingham, AL 35211. The free event will feature "Diabetes 101" educational materials and access to certified diabetes educators who can answer questions about management of the disease, and interactive experiential zone featuring resources from supporting community health organizations and a first-hand testimonial from Stone about her experience managing diabetes, as well as live performances of songs from her latest album. 

Stone has been traveling to cities around the country since 2007 as the national spokeswoman for the F.A.C.E. Diabetes initiative.