The mission of the American Diabetes Association is to cure and prevent diabetes and improve the lives of all those affected by diabetes. The ADA is the only voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting back against all types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational, through research, education, and advocacy.

Diabetes Statistics

20.8 million Americans have diabetes. Of that, about 90% have type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance. This type of diabetes is related to lifestyle and can sometimes be prevented and managed through diet and exercise. The other 10% have type 1 diabetes, characterized by a lack of production of insulin. Someone with type 1 diabetes will also be insulin dependent.

54 million Americans have pre-diabetes, meaning that their blood sugar levels are elevated, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

About 1.3 million Texans have diabetes, and this is approximately 7% of our population.

Programs and Activities

The ADA conducts educational outreach programs and coordinates special events for fundraising in the Central Texas area. Programs and Activities include:

The ADA’s Diabetes Days program is a community-based program designed to increase awareness of the near-epidemic rate of diabetes among African Americans & Hispanics. The ADA trains church and community leaders in the African American and Hispanic community through a luncheon program. Then, these leaders host a “Diabetes Days” program at their church or organization. These programs include education, testimonials, and sometimes include glucose screenings.

The Diabetes Summit is a two day professional education conference for health care providers who provide care to people with diabetes, such as physicians, nurses, certified diabetes educators, dieticians, and pharmacists. This conference will take place April 17 & 18, 2008. You can learn more and register at www.diabetes.org/summit.

Tour de Cure is the only charity ride in Central Texas that raises dollars to cure diabetes. This two-day ride begins in San Antonio, overnights in Texas State University, and finishes at Akins High School in Austin. There will be several distance options available to challenge all levels of riders and to encourage new cyclists to join us! All riders will enjoy a safe and well-marked route, superior SAG and medical support, wonderful healthy snacks and meals throughout the event. You can register now at diabetes.org/tour.

Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes is the Association’s largest event designed to raise money to find a cure for diabetes and to increase awareness of the disease. The event offers walkers and their families a free Wellness Festival and health screenings. Live music and children’s entertainment will also add to the FUN and festivities! Step Out will take place on November 15, 2008.

School Walk for Diabetes is an educational fundraising event offered to all schools in the Central Texas area. SWFD promotes community service, builds school spirit, increases diabetes awareness and raises money for diabetes research, advocacy and outreach programs.

Volunteers

The ADA relies on volunteers to make our educational programs and fund-raising events possible. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available at the American Diabetes Association, ranging from leadership opportunities to day of event roles.

Tour de Cure

The ADA is currently recruiting for day of event volunteers for the Tour de Cure cycling event. We need volunteers for start line, registration, rest stops, finish line, and route. This is a fun event and a great way to help fight diabetes while enjoying a nice day outside! Volunteers are needed on May 17 & 18.

We are also looking for cyclists of all skill levels to participate in the ride! You can learn more and register now at diabetes.org/tour.

Speaker’s Bureau

The ADA is creating a new speaker’s bureau to respond to speaking requests for diabetes information and participation in health fairs. This is a great volunteer opportunity if you enjoy sharing information about healthy living with community members. Diabetes 101 training is available.

Office and Event Support

There are many opportunities for providing volunteer service in an office environment, while supporting a special event or educational program. This type of volunteering often involves preparing a mailing, stuffing goodie bags, calling supporters, and other light office work.

Event Committees

The ADA needs committee members to coordinate all of our events and educational programs. This is a great leadership opportunity to coordinate an event in support of the ADA. Typical committee positions include: Logistics Chair, Recruitment Chair, Outreach Chair, Media Chair, and others.

Leadership Board

The ADA’s Leadership Board is responsible for being the face of the ADA in the community, creating new relationships for the organization, and advising the organization on our strategic direction. The Board is comprised of high-profile community members and corporate leaders with a passion for fighting back against diabetes.

For more information: Visit diabetes.org/tour for information on the Tour de Cure and volunteer opportunities. Visit diabtese.org/austin to learn more about the ADA’s local programs and events.

Please direct inquiries to:
Dori Yeater, Associate Manager
dyeater@diabetes.org
512-472-9838 x. 6116

— KUT Staff