The African American Diabetes Association (AADA) is calling on visionary leaders to launch Hyper-Local Chapters across the United States. This is more than an organization; it’s a decentralized, community-driven resistance against the diabetes crisis disproportionately gripping the African American community.
The Urgency: Why We Fight From the Ground Up
We are at a tipping point in health equity.
Decades of systemic barriers have been compounded by a shifting, precarious political landscape and persistent medical mistrust.
The time for a top-down approach is over. We need resilient, hyper-local hubs of advocacy, education, and healing.
The Facts Are a Mandate for Action:
Diagnosis Risk: African Americans are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic white adults.
Hospitalization & Amputation: They are hospitalized for uncontrolled diabetes at a rate nearly four times higher and are more than twice as likely to undergo a diabetes-related amputation.
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): African Americans are over three times as likely to be diagnosed with ESRD due to diabetes—a devastating and costly complication.
Your chapter will be the local lifeline, building a system of support that is independent of political flux and rooted in the unwavering trust of the community.
The Model: Building Trust, Implementing Power
Our chapter framework is inspired by the successful grassroots organizing of historical movements like the Niagara Movement, the NAACP, and the power of the original Negro Health Week.
We provide the blueprint; you provide the local expertise.
Five Foundational Pillars for Local Success:
The Negro Health Week Organizing Model (1915 Legacy): This model emphasizes a concentrated, grassroots effort for maximum impact.
Action Example: Host culturally relevant cooking classes focused on healthier versions of traditional African American dishes.
Action Example: Integrate health messages and support groups through Faith-Based Initiatives with local Black churches.
Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Framework: Address the root causes of health inequity by acknowledging history, creating safe spaces for Healing, and working to Transform the systems that perpetuate disparities.
The Strategic Barbershop and Salon Partnership Model (HAIR): Leverage these trusted social hubs to bridge the gap between community and care.
Core Strategy: Train barbers and stylists to serve as Trusted Community Health Advocates and facilitate Telehealth-Mediated Interventions in private spaces within the shop.
Nepenthe Health And Wealth Cooperative (HAWC)
Model: Partner with new research models that prioritize a trust-first approach and elevate the quality of care by respecting community members as partners, not just subjects, in the scientific process.
OwnaHealth Partnership: Tap into evidence-based, cutting-edge protocols centered on low-carbohydrate nutrition for diabetes reversal, proven successful and scalable in underserved communities like the Bronx.
✅ Ready to Lead? Submit Your Proposal
We invite passionate, local leaders to submit a proposal outlining your vision to establish a robust AADA Chapter in your community.
Key Proposal Requirements Maximum Length
Community Profile
Demographic data, specific diabetes disparities, and a clear needs assessment.10 Pages (Total)
Chapter Vision & Strategy
Your local mission, 3-5 measurable (SMART) first-year goals, and concrete examples of how you will use the five foundational models.
Leadership & Engagement
Identify key leaders, their qualifications, and at least three critical local partners (e.g., an HBCU, a local clinic, a health ministry).Administrative
Essentials:
Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of $100 is required with submission.
Non-Profit Status: Must have, or be prepared to secure, 501(c)(3) status within one year. (The national AADA will provide assistance on how to apply.)
Founding Members: A minimum of ten (7) founding members are required.
Accountability: Adherence to strict financial accountability and required annual reporting to the national office.
Submission Deadline: February 28, 2026, 11:59 EST
Your leadership is the pivot point. Together, we will transform the health of the African American community and make diabetes a silent crisis of the past.
Fill out the full application and submit a proposal HERE
Hyper-Local Chapter Model
AADA Hyper-Local Chapter Application
Your application will guide you through the process of building your local plan:
Contact Information:
Proposed Chapter Name (must include "AADA Chapter").
Community Profile: Describe key demographics and existing health disparities (e.g., high amputation rates, poor glycemic control).
Primary Focus: Select your chapter's primary focus: Education, Direct Patient Support, Policy/Advocacy, Research, or All of the above.
Strategy: State your chapter's specific mission and vision, and describe at least two specific, measurable goals for your first year.
Commitment: Affirm your commitment to securing non-profit status and attending the AADA annual TRHT Modeled, AADA National Convening Conference.
Application Review:
Your application is a sacred trust. The AADA Executive Committee and AADA volunteers will review submissions thoughtfully and provide a response (Approval or Request for Additional Information) within 30 business days.
Once approved, we encourage you to celebrate this milestone with your community!
Are you ready to be the force multiplier in your city?
CLICK HERE FOR FULL APPLICATION
Establishing a hyper-local AADA Chapter is an exciting step! If you require additional information, support, or clarification regarding the proposal submission process, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are dedicated to ensuring your submission is successful.
