Zoom link here: https://american.zoom.us/j/93972376559?pwd=THhKOFFUSDI2WFRJUXcybkt5NE9qUT09 The color blue has not only been prominent this week because of the election, but also because APO’s 2020 national service week theme is Diabetes Awareness in Our Community! According to Associated Press in 2019, type 2 diabetes rates in neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River (Wards 7&8) were twice the national average at 13.4 and 19.7 percent in each, whereas Ward 3 (where most of us spend our time in Tenleytown/AU) had the lowest rate in the city at 4.2 percent. Dominant health narratives tend to blame individual lifestyle choices for such alarming outcomes, when in reality, they are due to structural disparities that continue to enable a lack of access to healthcare and nutritional resources, especially in predominantly African-American communities. Think about it. There are only 3 grocery stores in Ward 7&8. Systemic obstacles and stresses related to income, housing, education, and food can greatly impact one’s risk for diabetes and other health issues. Dr. Gail Nunlee-Bland, director of the Howard University Hospital Diabetes Treatment Center, suggests that managing this chronic disease using a multidisciplinary approach to empower and encourage self-management through lifestyle changes, while also recognizing the social determinants of health, is key. Accessing affordable, nutritious, culturally-appropriate food and building networks of care and support through group activities are part of this approach. Join us Monday night for a discussion on the role of both the food system and individual healthy-eating plans in diabetes risk, prevention, and management. Cook and share your favorite healthy recipes while also learning how to support the work of local organizations like Capital Area Food Bank, American Diabetes Association, Diabetes Free DC, and CSA food programs in the DMV area.