The Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) Teams with Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas To Launch New National Diabetes Campaign In Indian Country
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) this week announced a new national diabetes prevention plan titled: Conquering Diabetes in Indian Country. Billy Mills, 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist and Oglala Lakota (Sioux) tribal member, will join Kickapoo Tribal Chairman Steve Cadue, as co-chairs of this fundraising effort designed to create a national diabetes prevention initiative.
The Conquering Diabetes in Indian Country national effort will officially launch at the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) annual meeting slated for April 1-4 in San Diego, CA.
AAIP President Dr. Donna Galbreath said the organization is tackling one of the biggest health issues in Indian Country. Diabetes is at near epidemic levels among Indian people with nearly twice as many Native Americans being diagnosed as compared to non-Native Americans.
“To make strides in defeating diabetes in our communities, we need to band together and work for a common cause,” she said. “This is really an education and awareness campaign about diet, exercise and the tools we need to teach American Indians and Alaska Natives on how to stay healthy and diabetes-free.”
Galbreath said AAIP was honored to be working with visionary tribal leaders like Cadue and Mills, who is also the Running Strong for Indian Youth spokesman. The duo will lend leadership experience and contacts within the Indian Nations to help AAIP raise both diabetes awareness and prevention funds.
AAIP currently is working under a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant to eliminate diabetes-related disparities, the National Diabetes Plan will expand current prevention activities throughout Indian Country.
For more information on the AAIP/Kickapoo diabetes initiative, visit www.aaip.org or call the organization at (405) 946-7072.