Cherokee Choices
The mission of Cherokee Choices is to delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes and related complications by working with community and other organizations to develop and deliver community-based behavior change interventions.

Location:
Suite 200 Ginger Lynn Welch Complex
180 Acquoni Road

Scope of Work: : Program Staff implement school-based, faith-based and worksite diabetes prevention activities. In the school-based component , four staff members (mentors) work with the children during the school day, after school and during summer programs to; enhance self-esteem, improve coping skills, increase physical activity and promote better dietary habits, as well as enhance cultural pride. The faith-based component involves churches in health cooking demonstrations, physical activity and nutrition classes. In the worksite wellness component of Cherokee Choices, staff members work with a variety of Tribal programs to improve health by providing nutrition lessons, social support, physical activity guidance and incentives to exercise. All of these intervention components are reinforced by a social marketing campaign.

Contact:
Jeff Bachar, Manager 497-1970
Click Here for Departmental Phone Numbers

 

 

 

 

Accomplishments to date:

  • Production of “Generations of Wellness” documentary that provides positive role model stories for the community;
  • The culture of the elementary school has changed:
    • mentors lead health-related classes and activities for 4-6 graders; school menus have less saturated fat;
    • aerobics and other physical activities are held for school staff; walking clubs for the children are popular and successful;
    • 96% of school program participants said they know how to make healthier food choices;
  • There has been a significant increase in healthy eating behavior and physical activity in the schools and among worksite wellness participants;
  • Some participants have been able to decrease or eliminate diabetes and/or high blood pressure medications;
  • Policies: Employees have been given time off to exercise;
  • Publications:
    • Several abstracts have been submitted for publication and a presentation has been made at American Public Health Association annual conference;
    • “The Diabetes Page” is published once a month in the Cherokee One Feather.
  • Five area churches and 170 church members are involved in out “Walk to Jerusalem” project.
  • Work has begun on the production of a cable variety health and wellness show – to be shown on channel 28.