Diabetes Facts
o According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders (NHPI) are at a 2.5 increased risk of being diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic white populations in 2018 (HHS, 2018).
o The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has the highest prevalence of diabetes in the world and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) has the world’s second highest rate of diabetes in the world.
o Coupled with geographical, historical, and economical challenges to the Pacific Islands, these factors further exacerbate the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes among NH/PI communities.
The Pacific Islander Diabetes Prevention Program (PI-DPP) Storytelling Series
PI-DPP, is a year-long, evidence-based lifestyle change program recognized and supported by the CDC. It was formed in 2017 by the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) and Pacific Islander Center of Primary Care Excellence (PI-CoPCE). Currently, PI-DPP partners with 11 community-led organizations located throughout the U.S. and U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI) in pursuit of improving the health and wellness of Pacific Islander communities. Aligning with PI-DPP success standards, participants aim for 5% body weight loss, 150 weekly physical activity minutes (PAMs), and lower HbA1C values.
Oral Storytelling is a fundamental tradition among many Pacific Islander cultures, ensuring stories and history are passed down from generation to generation. That’s why program leads from each PI-DPP site will talk story about PI-DPP’s importance, community impact, challenges and best practices, and next steps for their diabetes prevention programs.
Stay updated on stories by visiting https://pacificislanderdpp.org/our-stories and following AAPCHO’s Facebook, Instagram, Medium, and Twitter. To learn more about PI-DPP’s sites and how to get involved, please visit https://pacificislanderdpp.org/ for more information!
Program for NHPI with Diabetes or High Blood Pressure
Healthy Hearts Among Pacific Islanders (HHAPI) is an educational program created by and for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders to manage type 2 diabetes and/or high blood pressure. HHAPI is the first ONLINE research study for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. This is a FREE program offered by Washington State University.
Who can participate?
Anyone who: identifies as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander; is 18 years of age or older; is able to show current medication for high blood pressure and/or type 2 diabetes; has reliable internet access, a computer and/or smartphone, and active email account; and can attend zoom meetings and classes.
How long is the program?
Online participation in the HHAPI program is 6 months.
What is the cost?
Participation in the HHAPI program is FREE!
What will I be asked to do?
HHAPI program participants are asked to provide information about their health on a private call with study staff, and attend 4 online group classes every other week to learn about heart healthy eating. Participants also receive a $50 grocery order at each of the 4 classes!
How is this information used?
All information that participants provide about their health is kept confidential. After the study is over, the information collected will be used to improve the program and advocate for future programs that promote health and well-being among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
Who created HHAPI?
The HHAPI program was designed with input from Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who live with high blood pressure and diabetes.
Interested in joining? Sign up here!