DENVER, CO, Jul 10, 2009 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- The American Diabetes Association, the nation's leading voluntary health organization in the fight against diabetes, announced that several leading Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) grantees were presented with the Voices For Change Award in recognition of their effective diabetes prevention and treatment services in American Indian and Alaskan Native communities. The awards were presented yesterday at a special ceremony at the Indian Health Services (IHS) Summit taking place in Denver, Colorado.

At nearly 17 percent, American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes among all U.S. racial and ethnic groups.

"Although the statistics are daunting, these much-needed programs have translated the science of diabetes into real-world settings by providing improved care for our patients and prevention efforts that are turning the hope of a diabetes-free future into a reality," stated Gale Marshall, Chair of the American Diabetes Association's Awakening the Spirit Native American initiative. "The Voices For Change awards allow us the unique opportunity to honor selected diabetes programs for their innovation, advocacy and outcomes in the delivery of culturally based, community-driven diabetes treatment and prevention strategies. Their passion, commitment and hard work have a profound impact on the future health of all tribal communities."

The Voices For Change Award recognizes SDPI programs that have excelled in the following categories: Advocacy, Outcomes, and Innovation.

Advocacy Award: Pine Ridge IHS SDPI Diabetes Prevention Program

"Oyate Wicozani Ocanku" - Pine Ridge, South Dakota The Pine Ridge Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) have worked diligently to educate Tribal leadership at both local and national levels that diabetes prevention is possible, by sharing their stories of successful weight loss, increased physical activity, healthier food choices and overcoming obstacles in adopting healthy behaviors.

Outcomes Award: Being Responsible American Indian Diabetics (BRAID) Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Through diabetes self-management education that is culturally appropriate, BRAID patients have learned to set goals and change behaviors which have resulted in lower A1Cs, thus dramatically reducing the risk of chronic complications associated with diabetes.

Innovation Award: Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley San Jose, California Grounded in American Indian healing traditions, the Indian Health Center incorporates traditional aspects of mind, body, heart, and spirit such as native crafts, storytelling, drumming, dancing, and ceremony, as well as proven lifestyle change concepts to empower patients to actively participate in their own self-care.

Honorable Mentions:

Advocacy Honorable Mention

-- Toiyabe Indian Health Project, Inc. (Bishop, California)

Outcomes Honorable Mentions:

-- Pit River Health Service, Inc. (Burney, California) -- Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians (Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan)

Innovation Honorable Mention:

-- Nimiipuu Health Center (Lapwai, Idaho) -- Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (Anchorage Alaska) -- White Earth Land Recovery Project Native Harvest (Callaway, Minnesota)

Special Diabetes Program for Indians

The SDPI continues to give Indian health programs and tribal communities the resources and tools they need to both prevent and treat diabetes. It funds more than 300 community directed programs, offering local tribes and health programs the opportunity to set priorities that meet the needs of the community, whether it be prevention activities or treatment. For over a decade Congress has provided funding for the SDPI and the American Diabetes Association has played an integral part in promoting this important program. The Association will continue to work for strong support of SDPI.

American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

The Association's Awakening the Spirit initiative is a community-based education effort for Native American and Alaskan Natives. The mission is to educate Native people that type 2 diabetes is preventable and treatable.

For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

Contact: Sarah Bradley sbradley@diabetes.org 703-549-1500 ext. 2231

SOURCE: American Diabetes Association

 	CONTACT:          mailto:sbradley@diabetes.org  

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