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Congregational Nurse Puts Her Clinical Power Into Diabetes Project Contacts: Stephanie Willis, American Diabetes Association – 1-800-676-4065 ext.3079 ; Ella Jackson, Baptist Health Systems - 601-968-1391; or Robby Channell, Baptist Health Systems – 601-968-5135 Jackson, Miss. – August 16, 2006 - The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has launched Project POWER, a national strategy to provide African American churches with a foundation to integrate diabetes awareness messages, management and life applications into congregations. Approximately 2.7 million of all African Americans have diabetes and experience higher rates of at least three of the serious complications of diabetes: blindness, amputation and end stage renal disease (kidney failure). Mississippi ranks as one of the highest in the nation for the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. As a congregational nurse, Ella Jackson, RN, has been actively involved in promoting wellness and quality health care at New Horizon Church where she is a member. She is a case manager in the Clinical Resource Management department at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, Miss. Now, she is expanding her volunteer efforts by co-chairing the American Diabetes Association’s Diversity Programs. “As a congregational nurse you have to form partnerships. So by networking with different groups I found out about this project,” said Jackson. “The Lord just dropped this project in my lap. I was looking for ways to offer free screenings especially for diabetes, and it is amazing how everyone has jumped on board to make this succeed.” Finding culturally relevant and sensitive strategies for specific audiences has become the hallmark of ADA’s Community Programs explained Stephanie Willis, ADA Market Director for Outreach Education and Diversity Programs. Willis, who is located at ADA’s South Eastern Division in Birmingham, reiterated, “Using the foundation of the traditionally strong bond between African Americans and the church, Project Power will successfully reach thousands of church congregations across the country about the seriousness of diabetes. Project POWER brings healthy lifestyle tips and techniques to people with diabetes and those who care for people with diabetes, while celebrating the culture and uniqueness of the ‘Black Church’." Nine churches in the Metro Jackson, Miss. area (and one in Greenville, Miss.) will participate in phase one of Project Power. Through pastors’ leadership and health ministries in these churches, committees are formed to follow through with diabetes awareness and management strategies. ADA, along with Cardiovascular Learning Partnership, The Southeast Affiliation of Black Cardiologists, Guidant Foundation and the Mississippi State Department of Health, have paid for nurse training, can give free screenings and offer on-going educational material for Project Power. The Samaritan Counseling Center at Baptist is also supporting this effort, and Baptist provided some support funds through its Carry the Mission program. The project has two parts. One is a broad attempt to have all churches conduct a Diabetes Day, where the church leaders bring about general awareness. The second part is Project Workshops with four components. “Power Over Diabetes,” is a class that is the foundation for the other workshops to build upon and provides information to help people better understand and/or care for their diabetes. “Fit for the Master’s Use” is a workshop about exercise. “O Taste and See” will offer tips on healthy eating. And, “Clean Heart” educates people about the link between heart disease and diabetes. Each module is scripturally based. ** Churches participating include: AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION (SOUTH EASTERN DIVISION) |
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