Health Promotion Program: Increasing Diabetes Prevention Awareness in Underserved Communities
For my final project, I will focus on developing a health promotion program aimed at raising awareness and prevention of Type 2 diabetes among underserved communities in San Antonio, Texas. This population faces a higher prevalence of diabetes, compounded by limited access to healthcare, health literacy barriers, and socioeconomic inequities that prevent proactive health management. The goal of this program is to educate, empower, and connect individualswith preventive resources that can reduce long-term health complications.
Intended Recipients
The primary recipients of my health promotion recommendation are adults living in low-income neighborhoods—particularly Hispanic and African American populations—who are at elevated risk for Type 2 diabetes. These groups often experience structural barriers such as food deserts, limited access to preventive screenings, and lack of culturally relevant health education.
Evidence of Health Need
According to the CDC (2022), Hispanic and African American adults are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic Whites. Local health assessments also show higher obesity and diabetes rates in Bexar County, where San Antonio is located (Metro Health, 2020). A study by Hill-Briggs et al. (2021) emphasized the importance of addressing social determinants such as poverty, education, and healthcare access to reduce disparities in diabetes outcomes. Additionally, Pamungkas et al. (2017) found that culturally tailored, community-based diabetes education significantly improves knowledge, behavior, and glycemic control among at-risk populations.
Evidence-Based Strategy
My promotion strategy aligns with community-based interventions that are culturally relevant and easily accessible. The program includes bilingual educational workshops, mobile screening units, and partnerships with local grocery stores and churches. These strategies mirror successful models used in similar communities and are backed by evidence showing that trusted community spaces and peer-led education increase engagement and behavior change (Pamungkas et al., 2017).
Access to Information
The health promotion information will be shared through multiple channels:
- Flyers and social media targeting neighborhood groups and community centers
- Collaborations with local churches, barbershops, and clinics to distribute print materials and host events
- Mobile health units offering free screenings and education at accessible locations like grocery store parking lots and parks
Questions and Challenges
One challenge I am working through is ensuring the sustainability of this program beyond the initial rollout. I’m also seeking feedback on how to effectively measure impact, especially when tracking outcomes across diverse and transient populations. I would appreciate any suggestions from peers or the instructor on evaluation methods that are both feasible and meaningful in community health promotion settings.
Thank you for taking the time to review my approach—I’m excited to continue refining this project with your feedback!
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). National Diabetes Statistics Report. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html
Hill-Briggs, F., Adler, N. E., Berkowitz, S. A., Chin, M. H., Gary-Webb, T. L., Navas-Acien, A., & Thornton, P. L. (2021). Social determinants of health and diabetes: A scientific review. Diabetes Care, 44(1), 258–279. https://doi.org/10.2337/dci20-0053
Pamungkas, R. A., Chamroonsawasdi, K., & Vatanasomboon, P. (2017). A systematic review: Family support integrated with diabetes self-management among uncontrolled type II diabetes mellitus patients. Behavioral Sciences, 7(3), 62. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs7030062
Metro Health. (2020). San Antonio Community Health Assessment. https://www.sanantonio.gov/health/News/Reports
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