Local Impact - California

Amy Lemmer

Sonoma County Indian Health Project

“I truly believe that Diabetes is robbing us as a community of our elders’ wisdom, as they die too young. The SDPI Healthy Traditions program, by concentrating on prevention, not only gives people hope of a healthier future for all our Nations, but it also gives us the tools to fulfill that future.”
- Amy Lemmer

I was introduced to the SDPI Healthy Traditions program at a time when I was struggling with my health and my weight. I had previously participated in a similar program at Kaiser, but I found that program ineffective because of its individualistic and lecture oriented approach. When I went to the SDPI Healthy Traditions program, I found that it was culturally sensitive, appropriate, and effective. Healthy Traditions is a community based program that relies on and encourages family and community participation. I was always shy about moving my body in front of other people, however the program made me feel comfortable and among friends. My shyness was understood and respected.

Healthy Traditions always presented information in a welcoming and interactive manner – we would often eat and try unfamiliar things together and exercise together. My experience at Healthy Traditions was more than just physical it was also spiritual. I had recently been laid off and was feeling a sense of scarcity and loss when I was introduced to the Ya Ka Ama garden through the program. Being able to see the plants growing more fresh produce than I could even eat or give away, I experienced abundance pouring forth from the earth herself. This was not only a blessing but also a lesson. The garden renewed my faith.

I can say first hand that SDPI is making a difference in my community and my life. I truly believe that Diabetes is robbing us as a community of our elders’ wisdom, as they die too young. Diabetes care is taking so many resources that could be used for cultural education and services for our people. It is a disease that is costing us too much. The SDPI Healthy Traditions program, by concentrating on prevention, not only gives people hope of a healthier future for all our Nations, but it also gives us the tools to fulfill that future.

Diabetes in California

According to 2008 CDC data, approximately 2,220,000 people in California – 8.3% of the state’s population – had diagnosed diabetes, and many of them suffer from serious complications or conditions. In addition to the human toll diabetes places on people in California, the financial burden diabetes places on the health care system in the state is staggering – in 2007, the approximate direct and indirect cost of diabetes in California was approximately $24.42 billion.