FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (September 3, 2003) – On Sat., Sep. 13, the Prescott Chapter of the American Diabetes Association and the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe will hold its 3rd Annual America’s Walk for Diabetes. The walk is part of the Tribe’s active role in educating the community and Tribe about diabetes prevention and awareness. All proceeds from the event will be used to help find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes (Type I) and Adult Onset Diabetes (Type II).

One in 17 Americans has diabetes and an even greater incidence of diabetes exists among Native Americans. Through grants from the federal government under the Diabetes Prevention Grant for Native Americans, the Tribe opened its Wellness Center to help promote health and fitness through exercise and nutrition programs. It has provided general health services and diabetes classes and nutrition education and has funded outreach programs for its members, employees and community members. In its latest endeavor the Tribe is working with the Yavapai County Health Department to bring programs into the area schools.

“Because diabetes often goes undetected and because of the Tribe’s history with the disease, we want to do our part to promote awareness and prevention,” says Ernie Jones, Sr., President of the Tribe, who also sits on the Diabetes Prevention Committee.

The Tribe encourages community businesses to support and contribute to the event. Major sponsorships have already been received from Wells Fargo of Prescott and the Hassayampa Inn. Many other community businesses have donated prizes or offered in kind services for the event.

Part of a nationwide event, walkers can choose from a 0.7-mile, 2-mile or a 4-mile course. Walkers raise money for the Prescott Chapter of the American Diabetes Association by collecting pledges for each mile. Each participant will receive a T-shirt for entering. Volunteers from the Tribe will work at the event.

The American Diabetes Association’s Walk for Life will be held on Saturday, Sep. 13, at the Community Gathering Center on the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Reservation, 530 E. Merritt.

For more information on America’s Walk for Diabetes, contact the Prescott Chapter of the American Diabetes Association at (928) 771-5285 or the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe at (928) 778-1787. To register for the event and obtain a “Welcome Walker” packet, contact the American Diabetes Association at 1-888-DIABETES (342-2383), ext. 7093. The public is encouraged to pledge online at www.diabetes.org/walk.
Kickoff and registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. Walkers will begin at 9:30 a.m. After the event, the Tribe and the American Diabetes Association will provide lunch and entertainment for participants.

Located adjacent to the central Arizona community of Prescott, approximately one hour north of Phoenix, the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe consists of 160 members and occupies a reservation of less than 1,500 acres.