Durham Coalition Forms To Fight Diabetes

Several Durham County groups are partnering to fight a high rate of diabetes in adults. The Durham Diabetes Coalition brings together health groups, churches and government to teach people about the dangers of the disease. County statistics show that 12 percent of Durham County adults live with diabetes. The statewide average is nine percent. Health educator Chasity Newkirk says the challenge is getting people screened, especially African Americans.

Chasity Newkirk: A lot of the black community do not go to the doctor so this initiative is just to kind of bring them to the doctor. What's going to happen at our event, we're going to offer blood pressure and blood sugar screenings as well as have additional health information and physical activity portions and health seminars for those in the community.

Newkirk says the coalition is planning screening events and seminars on diabetes education in November. So far, the Durham coalition is the only such partnership in the state. Cabarrus County is planning a similar effort.