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:

LaTanya Fisher, Program Manager, (phone), (email) April Brown, Community Outreach Coordinator, (phone), (email) Sonya Smalls, Office Manager, (phone), (email)

Address:

19 Hagood Avenue, Suite 304 MSC 803 Charleston, SC 29425 (See a map)

Directions:

Take I-26 to Charleston. Proceed through the Crosstown Connector onto Spring Street. Make a right onto Hagood Avenue. Turn left into the Harborview Office Towers (Behind the McDonalds). The REACH US SEA-CEED office is on the 3rd floor--Suite. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: Spring Street and Hagood Avenue, 1 minute walk