TJMS, Lily team up to raise awareness on diabetes epidemic

Angie Stone and Anthony Anderson, spokespeople for Lilly's Fearless African-Americans Connected and Empowered (F.A.C.E.) Diabetes initiative, are teaming up with The Tom Joyner Morning Show (TJMS) for the 9th annual Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day, taking place on September 28, 2010.

Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day is the culmination of a six-month initiative that seeks to motivate African-Americans to become more proactive about their health and the health of their loved ones through health screenings, immunizations, blood pressure exams and more. This year, F.A.C.E. Diabetes, Stone and Anderson are joining the movement to strengthen the program's diabetes education efforts with workshops and resources in key cities. F.A.C.E. Diabetes will be part of the seven-city Doctor Day live broadcast in Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Raleigh and Washington, D.C. Stone will make a special appearance in Detroit, and Anderson in Philadelphia, where they'll share their personal stories and inspire African-Americans to overcome key barriers to success in living with diabetes.

"Lilly and the F.A.C.E. Diabetes initiative are proud to take part in Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day to empower patients living with diabetes," said Keith Johns, Senior Director of Marketing, Lilly Diabetes. "We hope that these events planned in cities across the country encourage African-Americans to speak with their healthcare providers about desired lifestyle changes to better manage their disease."

As the "faces" of F.A.C.E. Diabetes, Stone and Anderson visit local communities to raise awareness of the diabetes epidemic that affects nearly 15 percent of African-American adults, and to foster the lifestyle changes that can help those with diabetes better manage the disease. Research shows 3.7 million African-Americans aged 20 or older have diabetes. Through community-based events such as Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day, TJMS and Lilly hope to provide valuable information and culturally-relevant solutions to help overcome the everyday challenges that many African-Americans face while living with diabetes.

"We know the statistics and now it's time to lower them," said Tom Joyner, whose morning show reaches over 8 million listeners. "Going to the doctor is the first step, but the follow through is just as important and that includes managing our conditions. Companies like Lilly reach out to our community and make a difference."

The event in Detroit, featuring Stone, will be held at the Northwest Activities Center from 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. and activities in Philadelphia featuring Anderson will be at the New Covenant Church of Philadelphia from 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information on all other F.A.C.E.

SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company