February 2020 Newsletter
Blazing A Trail of Health and Hope for Appalachian Communities
For the past two decades, the Appalachian Diabetes Control and Translation Project (ADCTP) also known as the Appalachian Diabetes Network, has worked with over 92 distressed rural counties throughout seven states in the Appalachian region to reduce the diabetes epidemic. This project helps community coalitions organize around the problem of diabetes, including planning, implementing and evaluating their specific projects. Diabetes coalitions receive ongoing training and technical assistance to implement evidence-based programs that increase physical activity options, improve access to nutrition education programs, reduce food insecurities, and increase access to diabetes self-management education programs and diabetes prevention programs. Coalitions learn how to identify barriers that exist in their communities and develop realistic strategies that will meet the unique needs of their communities.

This project is a federal, state, and community partnership involving the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and a team at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Rural Health at Marshall University that provides direct technical assistance and training for the coalitions.
Coalition Spotlight
Hale County, Alabama
Hale County, Alabama is located in West Central Alabama. According to the 2010 Census, the population was 15,760. The county seat is Greensboro, Alabama. Greensboro is also known as the Catfish Capital of Alabama.

On November 16, 2019, the Coalition hosted its annual Community Walk and Health Fair to bring awareness to diabetes. There were 10 vendors, free health snacks, glucose screenings, body mass index (BMI) assessments, and blood pressure screenings.

The coalition supports national diabetes prevention program classes offered by The Balm in Gilead, Inc., a non profit organization that works solely with faith organizations to increase their capacity to implement community health programs. The coalition also supports the implementation of a new youth empowerment program offered through Girls on the Run for girls in grades 3 - 5 called GRT in partnership with the local Boys and Girls Club.
Russell County, Virginia
Russell County, Virginia is located in Western Virginia. According to the 2010 Census, the population was 28,897. The county seat is Lebanon, Virginia.

On Nov. 7, 2019 the coalition hosted the annual Family Health Exposition. Amy Compton, chairperson of the Expo Committee, provided an update on the event. Approximately 250 people were in attendance. The Pharmacy School screened 23 individuals and provided 22 blood glucose screenings, 13 blood pressure checks, 20 A1C screenings, 5 Diabetes Foot Exam screenings, and 5 Ankle Brachial Index screenings. 

Over 30 exhibitors were in attendance. All the fruit baskets, door prizes and BINGO prizes were distributed to participants. The event featured chair yoga, pound classes, bingo, fruit basket walks, vendor tables, flu shots by the health department, hearing screenings by the Lions Club, diabetic screenings by the pharmacy school and a free, healthy meal.”
February is Health Health Awareness Month
Diabetes and Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. The good news? Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for people to make healthier choices.
Upcoming Events
Funding Opportunities
Partnerships for Opportunity and
Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative 2020 grant cycle
The Appalachia Regional Commission (ARC) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative 2020 grant cycle. POWER is a Congressional funded initiative that makes federal resources available to communities and regions affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries due to
the changing economics of America's energy production.

Technical Assistance Resources Center
Shelia Plogger
splogger@marshall.edu
Regina Knox
knoxr@marshall.edu
Nell Stuart
slover@marshall.edu
As a member of the Appalachian Diabetes Network, your coalition can request technical assistance and leader training to build your coalition's capacity to implement programs, activities, and events that reduce the prevalence of diabetes. Contact us to discuss customized technical assistance that meets your coalitions needs. We are here to help you succeed!
Upcoming Educational Sessions and Conferences
The mission of the Kentucky Diabetes Prevention and Control Program is to increase access to and participation in two evidence-based interventions that have been shown to improve outcomes for people with and at risk for diabetes: The National Diabetes Prevention Program and Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support. Please check out the link below for two podcasts with their physician champions for these two important interventions. You are also encouraged to share these in your network of influence. They are particularly prepared for primary care providers and team members. They can be easily listened to as individuals are on the go!