For Release: Nov. 2, 2011 – Pamela Williams, Office of Communications – 405/271-5601

State Capitol Rally to Support World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14

The Oklahoma State Department of Health encourages Oklahomans to attend the 3rd Annual Capitol Dome Blue/World Diabetes Day program to promote diabetes prevention and awareness on Monday, Nov. 14, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Second Floor Rotunda of the State Capitol.

Speakers and more than 20 local and national organizations and exhibitors will be on hand to offer free information and education about diabetes prevention, management, and advocacy. They will rally to light the State Capitol Dome Blue for “World Diabetes Day.”

Diabetes is the leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, amputations, blindness, kidney failure, and fetal mortality. One in six Oklahomans suffers from diabetes, which is the sixth leading cause of death in Oklahoma. Diabetes is the fifth deadliest condition in the United States, affecting children, teenagers and adults. In Oklahoma, diabetes costs almost $1.7 billion annually.

Sen. Constance N. Johnson and Rep. Randy McDaniel, along with community and health advocates, will be at the capitol to help organizations raise awareness about diabetes. The program is part of an effort in which 1,100 monuments worldwide will be lit blue in observance of World Diabetes Day. 

A collaborative effort will also focus on increasing youth awareness about diabetes prevention and management, and policy initiatives that impact youth. The event will be sponsored by numerous partners including the African American Community Diabetes Prevention Partners, the Oklahoma City-County Health Department, the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, the Indian Health Clinic, the American Diabetes Association, and many others.

For more information about the event or how to become a vendor, please contact Tiffany Afflalo-Williams at tmawilliams@gmail.com, or 405-312-5839; or Senator Johnson at holland@oksenate.gov; fax # 405-521-5580.

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World Diabetes Day Radio PSA's 

AUDIO (MP3) | TEXT:
Depression can strike anyone, but people with diabetes, a serious disorder that afflicts an estimated 16 million Americans, may be at greater risk.  Diabetes, the 5th deadliest condition in the US affects children, teens, and adults.  On November 14, 2011, let’s light the Capitol Dome Blue for World Diabetes Day. This year’s theme is “A Healthy Mind Keeps the Blues Away”  Join us in the 2nd Floor Capitol Rotunda on Monday, November 15, at 5:30 as we start breaking down the stigma about diabetes and mental health.  Let’s make a move towards a healthier tomorrow.

AUDIO (MP3) | TEXT (Spanish Version):
La depresión puede afectar a cualquiera, pero para personas con diabetes el riesgo es aún mayor. Este es un serio desorden que se estima afecta a 16 millones de americanos. La diabetes es la quinta enfermedad con mayor mortalidad en los Estados Unidos y afecta a niños, adolecentes y adultos.  En Noviembre 14, 2011 iluminemos azul, la cúpula del capitolio para el día mundial de la diabetes. El tema es “Mentes sanas alejan la tristeza”. Únete a nosotros en el segundo piso del a rotonda del capitolio el Lunes Noviembre 14 a las 5:30 de la tarde y comencemos a romper el estigma sobre la diabetes y la salud mental. Comencemos a movernos hacia un mañana saludable.