Kick off of diabetes campaign targeting ethnic minority populations

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Today, Public Health - Seattle & King County and partner community health organizations in the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Coalition are kicking off a diabetes media campaign focusing on African Americans, Asian Americans/Pacific Islander Americans and Latinos/Hispanics, populations disproportionately affected by diabetes.

The media campaign includes print and radio ads as well as posters in English and Spanish; ads will run in a variety of community and ethnic minority newspapers. Campaign materials have been developed targeting specific Asian-American, Pacific Islander-American, Latino/Hispanic and African-American populations in King County.

"This campaign will help more residents access this model program which offers culturally-sensitive diabetes education and services," said King County Executive Ron Sims.

The REACH community-based diabetes activities include support groups, education classes and self-management classes in English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino and Cambodian. These classes are free and open to the public, and they are targeted at people who have diabetes and those at risk of developing diabetes, as well as their family and friends.

"Ethnic minority populations are disproportionately affected by diabetes. African Americans, for example, have four times the diabetes death rate," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "REACH activities address these diabetes disparities, and support people in leading long and healthy lives."

Innovative activities in King County

Of the 25 REACH programs nationwide, the Coalition in Seattle and King County is distinct in its multi-cultural approach to eliminating diabetes-related health disparities. Cultural relevance is assured through a focus on ethnic-specific foods, having bilingual and bicultural staff or interpreters present, and addressing the cultural contexts and barriers of diabetes care and control.

"As part of REACH, we are able to offer much-needed culturally-appropriate diabetes information to our diabetes clients, many of whom speak different Asian and Pacific Islander languages," said Dorothy Wong, Executive Director of International Community Health Services.

The REACH 2010 Coalition in Seattle and King County includes a large number of organizations, diabetes experts and people with diabetes. For more information on REACH and its activities, please visit: www.kingcounty.gov/health/reach

Note to Editors and Reporters: REACH Coalition press kits are available by request.