By Dianne Anderson

For Blacks in Long Beach, diabetes runs close to twice the rate of all other groups for hospitalizations, but statewide, the death rate also soars, impacting at over 2.5 times that of whites.

For the California Black Health Network, turning around the harrowing statistics means more access to local resources and testing in Long Beach, where diabetes ranks among the top causes of death for Blacks.

“The data for diabetes-related deaths in Long Beach broken down by race and ethnicity, it’s astounding to see the difference between diabetes-related deaths for Blacks and everybody else,” said Rhonda Smith, executive director of CBHN.

Before the pandemic, she said the numbers were bad, but are much higher today in hard hit zip codes.

On Saturday, November 19, Live it Up Long Beach event launches a CBHN initiative to raise awareness around pre-diabetes. Activities include diabetes screening, Covered California Healthcare Plan enrollment, CalFresh enrollment, and pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic and immunizations. The event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Houghton Park.

She wants the community to recognize the signs and symptoms early, and prevent existing diabetes from worsening.

“If they have diabetes, what they can do prevent disease progression, or for hemodialysis patients, how they can improve their quality of life, and ultimately improve their risk or chances of transplantation. We know there are disparities there too,” she said.

The nonprofit kicks off its campaign focused on hemodialysis information, the point at which patients reach kidney failure and are on dialysis.

There are significant disparities with organ transplants and with amputations nationwide.

“There are poorer outcomes for Blacks on dialysis than whites, and more white patients get transplants than Black patients do for a number of reasons,” she said.

According to the government’s department of Minority Health, Blacks have 2.6 times more risk of end-stage renal failure than whites.

Smith partners with the nonprofit, Black Women Wellness LA, both on task to empower the community to take ownership of their health by becoming proactive. The event will enable follow-up to get the community engaged with the CBHN pilot program.

But she said one hindrance is the community often doesn’t know where to get help through the city or county programs, especially trying to navigate the Medi-Cal system.

“That’s the whole point, so we can continue to connect them with resources. Part of the problem is that there are resources available, most often they don’t know it’s there or how to take advantage of them,” she said.

Arnedra Jordan said that Black Women for Wellness LA works hard to increase awareness of the importance of regular checkups, and access to fresh foods, even as many live in food deserts.

“We are in food deserts, we’re seeing more hamburger stands on the corners, and with the increase of [fast] food, everyone can’t eat healthy. We need more access to farmer’s markets and more access to healthy food,” said Jordan, BWWLA project manager.

Their project reaches out through social media, and participating in tabling information and resources at health events in the city. They encourage more participation with local Black churches and nonprofits to contact them to work together to address the high diabetes death rates and high health impact.

Their diabetes program is open to the community.

“We give them fresh vegetables that they cook at home, we have our health diva, our chef and they can learn how to cook the vegetables that taste amazing. They also keep little journals on what they’re eating,” she said.

The community is becoming more health conscious, but there is an urgent need for more resources and available healthy choices. Not everyone has access to the markets, or grocery stores within walking distance.

Consumers should read food labels closely and not eat what they can’t pronounce, she said, adding that they must also be aware through the holidays that blood sugar spikes with borderline and Type 2 Diabetics.

Keep complex carbohydrates in mind, and load the plate with greens and vegetables. Always take it easy on the potatoes, cornbread dressing and sweet potato pie.

“Pick a green vegetable, pick a fruit, make healthy choices, and eat your carbs in moderation,” she said.

To connect with CBHN on Community Outreach, see

https://www.cablackhealthnetwork.org/live-it-up-long-beach/

For information on Black Women Wellness LA, see https://bwwla.org/

To review the Community Needs Assessment and top causes of death for Blacks, see

https://www.memorialcare.org/sites/default/files/_images/content/Community-Benefit/LBMC-2022-CHNA-Final-Report.pdf