Genesis Health Project Network offers ‘Churches Against Diabetes’ programs April 28 and 30

As part of its ongoing Diabetes Seminar Series, the Genesis Health Project Network welcomes the Syracuse community to its “Churches Against Diabetes” programs Wednesday, April 28, at 7 p.m. at the Brotherly Love Church of God in Christ, 1234 S. Salina St. and Friday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m. at New Jerusalem COGIC, 1641 S. Salina St. The seminars are free and open to the public. 

Both seminars, funded by a CDC Bronx Health REACH grant initiative, will be facilitated by  K. Bruce Simmons, internist at SUNY Upstate Medical University. He will discuss diabetes prevention, risk factors, signs and symptoms, screening and early diagnosis, management and legacy concerns.  Attendees will be encouraged to ask questions and share personal experiences.  

“The incidence of diabetes has reached epidemic proportions among African Americans. We believe faith-based health interventions  are pivotal to raise awareness, enhance knowledge and work towards reducing the high rate of diabetes within African American communities,” says Luvenia Cowart, professor of practice in the Syracuse University College of Human Ecology’s Department of Health and Wellness and director of the Genesis Health Project Network. 

Launched in 2004, the Genesis Project is part of a larger minority health initiative in partnership with the College of Human Ecology, corporate donors, government agencies and other regional partners. The Genesis Project has accomplished numerous milestones in addressing health disparities in African Americans in collaboration with the Syracuse community, including health seminars, fitness programs, educational programs at barber shops, and healthy lifestyle activities with churches and universities.  In 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health honored Cowart and the Genesis Health Project Network for its best practices in eliminating health disparities. 

Funding providers for the Genesis Project include Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Central New York Region; the Rosamond Gifford Foundation; the SU College of Human Ecology; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; the New York State Office of Minority Health; the Prevent Cancer Foundation; Wal-Mart Stores Inc.; Wegmans Food Markets; and Amgen Pharmaceuticals. Other collaborating partners include Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County; Family Ties Network Inc.; Onondaga Community College; the New York State Small Business Development Center; and SUNY Upstate Medical University.