Philadelphia, PA – August 20, 2008 – Congreso de Latinos Unidos and the diabetes care group of Johnson & Johnson, including LifeScan and Animas Corporation, are teaming up to provide free diabetes education and screenings to community residents on September 7th during La FERIA del BARRIO, an annual celebration of Latino music and culture in Philadelphia’s El Centro de Oro. During this outdoor family festival, Congreso will offer screenings which include blood pressure, glucose and body mass index checks in an effort to raise awareness of the disproportionate impact of heart disease, obesity and diabetes among Latinos.
“Congreso’s A Su Salud @ La FERIA: Preventing Diabetes initiative is a great opportunity to provide diabetes education and prevention tips to the community in an environment that is fun for the whole family,” states Julie Cousler Emig, Vice President for Health and Wellness Services at Congreso. “This initiative with Johnson & Johnson allows Congreso to reach over 700 people and raise awareness about diabetes and other chronic diseases within the Latino community.” In addition to nutrition and healthy lifestyle activities, Congreso staff will also be on hand at La FERIA to connect participants to local and culturally appropriate health services as needed.
“It is a privilege for us at Johnson & Johnson, to join with Congreso to bring the message of health and wellness into the communities we serve. As Hispanics suffer from diabetes at a higher rate than the majority population, it is important to focus efforts in prevention, detection and treatment where we can all have the greatest impact; and to communicate health information about diabetes in ways that are culturally sensitive and relevant," said Kenneth Moritsugu, M.D., Vice President of Johnson & Johnson Global Strategic Affairs and Chairman of the Johnson and Johnson Diabetes Institute. "Working together, we can make a real difference in the health and lives of everyone who suffers from diabetes or is at increased risk of developing the disease.”
Johnson & Johnson supports Congreso’s efforts to promote healthier outcomes for its community through a holistic health approach promoted by the agency’s integrated service delivery model. This event at La FERIA aims to raise awareness in the community about health issues, reinforcing Congreso’s continuing work to educate individuals about the opportunities for prevention and early intervention of diabetes. A Su Salud @ La FERIA: Preventing Diabetes is made possible in part by a grant from Johnson & Johnson through its Diabetes Day Programs.
About Congreso
Congreso de Latinos Unidos is a nationally recognized, community-based, nonprofit organization that has been strengthening Latino communities in Philadelphia for over 30 years. Since its inception in 1977, Congreso has grown to be a leading provider of education, employment, and supportive services in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. Congreso has compassionately served tens of thousands of individuals and families in Philadelphia. Our vision is to transform people’s lives by providing them with the tools to move up the economic ladder and out of poverty.
About Diabetes Day Programs Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson
The Diabetes Day programs are a community outreach, interactive, educational day for people with diabetes and their families. The key goals include improving diabetes literacy at the community level and to help bridge the gap in health disparities in diabetes especially among the multi-cultural communities.
The programs are designed to be a working model that can be a seed for future community diabetes programs, and implemented with support of local non-profit organizations, community and state leaders and community businesses.
Throughout the day, concurrently run educational and interactive sessions are delivered by community volunteers, and some of the topics consist of family dynamics, exercise and diabetes, Ask the Expert, pumping in children, pumping over 60, cooking for health, diabetes and pregnancy, carbohydrate counting, new technologies, activities for children, etc. Screenings and BG test are performed and provided by local healthcare providers utilizing some of the latest tools. Each Diabetes Day program is designed to meet the needs of the specific community in which they occur, and actual activities may vary to meet the specific patient and family needs.
About Johnson & Johnson in Diabetes Care
Johnson & Johnson is dedicated to creating a world without limits for people with diabetes through our group of companies in this space: LifeScan, Animas Corporation, the Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institute and Children with Diabetes.
About Johnson & Johnson
Caring for the world ... one person at a time, inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson. We embrace research and science -- bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people. Our 120,200 employees at more than 250 Johnson & Johnson companies work with partners in health care to touch the lives of over a billion people every day, throughout the world.
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