Diabetes management among low-income African Americans: a description of a pilot strategy for empowerment

Incidence of type II diabetes is increasing in the United States and is most prevalent among low-income African Americans. Community health initiatives supported by partnerships of community leaders and health professionals can contribute to the elimination of inequalities in health status. The focus of Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) 2010, an initiative sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is to facilitate the initiation of community-wide changes as well as increase individual empowerment to reduce disparities in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. A pilot program developed by REACH health educators and community health partners to improve disease self-management among low-income African American diabetic patients was implemented at a community health center in Nashville, Tenn. The program's major components included health education, individual counseling, screenings, and outreach. The program shows promise of improving patient care and outcomes.