ADA, Lilly USA want African-Americans to be victorious over diabetes
ATLANTA The American Diabetes Association, in association with Lilly USA, is hosting a free communitywide event in Atlanta, offering diabetes education, health screenings and a special performance by R&B singer Angie Stone.
The 11th annual Victory Over Diabetes event kicks off in Atlanta on Aug. 29, featuring singer-songwriter Angie Stone and Lilly USA's Fearless African-Americans Connected and Empowered Diabetes campaign. This free day-long event, also supported by Aetna, educates and empowers African-Americans living with diabetes to better manage the disease by providing educational tools and culturally relevant resources.
Victory Over Diabetes will take place at the Georgia International Convention Center, and will feature: a series of diabetes-focused workshops, keynote speakers, free health screenings, "Fearlessly Fit with Diabetes" special session featuring Angie Stone, highlighting the importance of physical activity as part of overall diabetes management. Additionally, a $50,000 check will be presentated by corporate sponsor Aetna in support of the Atlanta ADA's African-American-focused initiatives.
Through this event, the Atlanta ADA and the F.A.C.E. Diabetes campaign aim to raise awareness about the diabetes epidemic facing the African-American community. The disease affects more than 3 million African-Americans nationwide and African-Americans are 1.6 times more likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites, according to statistics. As the national spokesperson for the F.A.C.E. Diabetes campaign, Grammy-nominated singer Angie Stone has been traveling to cities around the country, including Atlanta, since 2007 to inspire others by sharing how she personally manages the day-to-day challenges of living with diabetes.
"I'm thrilled to bring the F.A.C.E. Diabetes movement back to my hometown of Atlanta as part of Victory Over Diabetes," said Stone. "Due, in part, to what I've learned through the campaign, I've made some great strides in better managing my own diabetes. I hope my story can motivate others, which is why I'm encouraging everyone to come out to this free event."
"Lilly is excited to continue the momentum of the F.A.C.E. Diabetes campaign here in Atlanta by joining forces with the American Diabetes Association, the leading advocacy organization for diabetes," said Bertika Quintero, manager Lilly Diabetes Outreach Initiatives, Lilly USA. "The F.A.C.E. Diabetes campaign was developed from in-depth research of African-Americans with diabetes and insights from health advocacy organizations including the ADA. By combining our resources and collective commitment, together, we can provide African-Americans with Type 2 diabetes the support they need to lead healthier lives."