Under the four-year project, 20 residents have been trained on diabetes prevention, self-management, and community organizing. Four have been hired to serve as block captains. They will conduct household screenings to identify everyone with diabetes and pre-diabetes and follow up with those who are diagnosed, encouraging them to seek medical care and make necessary lifestyle changes.

Other efforts will include launching educational programs, screenings and self-management training at the new Diabetes Empowerment Center; implementing an intervention program for children identified as at risk for diabetes, involving both parents and neighborhood schools; developing a case management program to help residents with diabetes organize their care; and working with community-based organizations to improve access to fresh produce and physical activity opportunities for residents of all ages.

If successful, the Block by Block project will provide a blueprint for others to follow.

"When community members own the solution, the solution then becomes an organic part of the culture of that community," Lopez said. "I believe this approach will ultimately be the answer for communities like ours facing major health problems."

Source: Rush University Medical Center