In 2021, Cities for Better Health Philadelphia brought together 12 different faith-based organisations from across the city to meet regularly to discuss addressing chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity through education and awareness programs offered to their members.
On 23 September, Salem Baptist Church of Abington, one of the faith-based organisations that participated in the collaborative, is kicking off its diabetes programming with a 6-week pilot Faith and Diabetes program. The focus will be lifestyle changes to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
Kristie Lindsey, who is leading the work for Salem Baptist Church,
is using social media to promote the program to her community:
“Joining this Cities for Better Health Initiative has provided a
platform for us to educate our church members about the rise in
diabetes and the disparities that affect African Americans with this
disease. We are all excited to begin after months of learning,
discussion and planning as part of the Philadelphia Faith &
Diabetes Collaborative,” says Kristie.
In 2022, Salem Baptist Church will boost its Faith & Diabetes
program by adding peer support, a monthly diabetes education workshop
and a longer lifestyle change program.
I am sure you will join me in wishing the team in Philadelphia the
best of luck with the launch, and well done to Cities for Better
Health Houston partners for helping spark this new chapter!
