REACH US SEA-CEED aims to reduce risks and prevent complications of diabetes related to hypertension, stroke, and amputations in African Americans. The center works with more than 13,000 African Americans in the action communities of Charleston and Georgetown counties and plans to reach 1,750,000 more (approximately 300,000 with diabetes) in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.

Description:
The REACH US SEA-CEED Coalition stands for Racial and Ethical Approaches to Community Health in the US through the SouthEastern African American Center of Excellence in the Elimination of Disparities in Diabetes. Building on the success of the previous REACH 2010 Charleston and Georgetown Diabetes Coalition, the center is working through a regional and national initiative for African Americans at risk and with diabetes. The SEA-CEED partnership will expand the coverage area to counties in SC, GA, and NC that have more than 30% African American populations using a network of national organizations with local community connections.

History:
Since 1999, the REACH Charleston and Georgetown Diabetes Coalition (CGDC) has worked to decrease health disparities through two county coalitions (Charleston Diabetes Coalition and Georgetown Diabetes CORE group). Their mission to reduce risks and prevent complication was facilitated by successful and ongoing community and systems change, increased advocacy, and policy change strategies. As of October 2008 the REACH US SEA CEED collaborative model stresses identification of change agents, involvement in health organizations and other community organizations, with a focus on Health Care Systems Change and Community Systems change to enable and encourage community behavior change. The targeted coverage area has expanded from Charleston and Georgetown counties to 121 counties covering SC, GA, and NC.

Contact people:

Carolyn Jenkins, Program Director, (phone), (email) Gayenell Magwood, Assistant Director, (phone), (email) Sonya Smalls, Office Manager, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (843) 792-5822

Address:

99 Jonathan Lucas Street MSC 160 Charleston, SC 29425 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.musc.edu/reach

Directions:

Take I-26 to Charleton. Proceed through the Crosstown Connector exiting left at Courtney Drive and Spring Streets. Procede through 2 lights to 3rd light at Courtney and Jonathan Lucas. College Of Nursing building it at intersection of. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: Calhoun and Jonathan Lucas, 6 minute walk