Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Amy Staubs, MPH, FirstPic, Inc., 2127 Espey Court, Suite 302, Crofton, MD 21114, 301-261-6925, astaubs@firstpic.org

The Indian Health Service (IHS), National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and Nike, Inc. have partnered to create a program aimed at reducing the onset of diabetes among Native American youth. The program—On the T.R.A.I.L. (Together Raising Awareness for Indian Life) to Diabetes Prevention—is an innovative combination of physical, educational and nutritional activities that promote healthy lifestyles. T.R.A.I.L. is a 12-week incentive-based program that provides youth with a comprehensive understanding of healthy lifestyles aimed at helping to prevent diabetes.

Members draw from Tribal traditions and history to learn about nutrition, food choices and the impact of diabetes. They then apply decision-making and goal-setting skills in the Physical Activity Challenge and engage in service projects to improve healthy lifestyles in their communities. Woven throughout the program are self-esteem and prevention activities, as well as numerous opportunities to engage community and family involvement.

This session will provide information on the impact of this community based primary prevention program for youth. Examples of successful program strategies will be shared. In addition, this session will highlight various program options offered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for Native American communities interested in starting or implementing programs for their youth. Nearly 200 Clubs currently exist in Indian Country serving over 130,000 young people.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. List at least three strategies that Clubs have used to successfully engage children, families and community members in diabetes prevention programming.
• 2. Describe how the T.R.A.I.L. diabetes prevention program coordinates with local/tribal community health and childcare agencies.
• 3. Discuss opportunities for partnership with Native American Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide.

Keywords: American Indians, Diabetes

Related Web page: www.naclubs.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered