The Southeast Diabetes Faith Initiative

07/28/2026

💛 **July 28 is World Hepatitis Day**

Hepatitis can affect anyone, but some communities of color experience greater barriers to prevention, testing, vaccination, and treatment. Raising awareness and improving access to care can help close these gaps and protect more families.

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver and can be caused by several viruses, including hepatitis A, B, and C. Some people may have no symptoms, which means testing can be an important step in knowing your status and protecting your health.

This World Hepatitis Day, take time to:

✅ Learn about your risk
✅ Ask your healthcare provider about hepatitis testing
✅ Make sure you are up to date on recommended vaccines
✅ Encourage family and friends to get informed and seek care

💻 Learn more about viral hepatitis from the CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/

07/25/2026

💙 **July 25 is World Drowning Prevention Day**

Drowning can happen quickly and silently—but it is preventable. Communities of color can face greater barriers to water safety, including limited access to swimming lessons, safe places to swim, and water safety education. That’s why families and communities need to have the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to stay safe around water.

🏊 Learn basic swimming and water safety skills.
👀 Always closely supervise children around water.
🦺 Wear a properly fitted life jacket when boating or participating in water activities.
❤️ Learn CPR and know what to do in an emergency.

This World Drowning Prevention Day, let’s raise awareness, increase access to lifesaving resources, and work together to prevent drowning in every community. Learn more at https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/data-research/facts/

**Water safety saves lives. Share this message with someone you care about.**

Drowning facts and definitions

07/22/2026

Early detection matters.
For communities of color, skin cancer is often found at later stages because changes may be missed or mistaken for something else. Pay attention to spots, sores, or marks that are new, changing, bleeding, painful, or not healing.

This UV Safety Awareness Month, talk with a healthcare provider if you notice changes in your skin. Your skin deserves care, protection, and attention.

07/20/2026

Rest is not a luxury — it is part of wellness. Stress, grief, discrimination, financial pressure, caregiving, and daily responsibilities can all affect mental health. Taking time to rest and recharge is important for individuals, families, and communities.

Question: What is one healthy way you give yourself permission to rest?
Drop your answer below and help normalize rest as part of healing.

07/18/2026

Stigma can keep people from getting the care and support they need.
Phrases like “just pray about it,” “don’t tell family business,” or “therapy isn’t for us” can make it harder to talk openly about mental health. Faith, family, culture, and professional support can all be part of healing.

Question: What is one message about mental health that you wish more people would unlearn? Let’s replace stigma with support.

07/16/2026

Sun protection is self-care. ☀️🧴
During UV Safety Awareness Month, remember that harmful UV rays can damage skin even on cloudy days. Communities of color are not immune to sun damage or skin cancer.
Before going outside:
✅ Apply sunscreen
✅ Wear sunglasses
✅ Use a hat or umbrella
✅ Limit time in direct sun during peak hours
Protect your skin today for a healthier tomorrow.

07/13/2026

In many BIPOC communities, we are taught to “be strong” and keep going, even when we are overwhelmed. Strength can also mean asking for help, taking a break, or checking in with someone you love.

Question: Who is one person you can check on this week with a simple “How are you really doing?” A caring conversation can make a difference.

07/11/2026

July 11 is World Population Day. World Population Day is a reminder that every person deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, safe, and thriving life.

For many communities of color, population health is shaped by access to quality healthcare, affordable housing, nutritious foods, education, transportation, safe neighborhoods, and economic opportunity. When these systems are strong and equitable, families and communities are better able to grow, contribute, and thrive. Healthy communities begin with dignity, opportunity, and access for everyone.

07/11/2026

July 10 is Chronic Disease Awareness Day

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and high blood pressure affect millions of people each year — and many communities of color experience a greater burden due to barriers in access to care, healthy foods, safe places to be active, and preventive screenings. Today is a reminder that prevention, early detection, and community support matter.

Take a step toward better health:
✅ Schedule recommended health screenings
✅ Know your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol numbers
✅ Choose nutritious foods when possible
✅ Move your body in ways that work for you
✅ Talk with a healthcare provider about your risk factors

Together, we can raise awareness, reduce health disparities, and support healthier communities for everyone.

07/08/2026

Skin cancer can affect anyone, including Black, Latino, Asian, Indigenous, and other communities of color. Because skin cancer may be harder to notice on darker skin tones, it is important to check areas that are often overlooked, such as:
🔎 Palms of hands
🔎 Soles of feet
🔎 Under nails
🔎 Scalp
🔎 Lips and ears
This UV Safety Awareness Month, make sun protection and skin checks part of your health routine.