CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON WELCOMES NEW DIABETES HEALTH AND WELLNESS INSTITUTE

Dallas, Texas (Monday, June 7, 2010) The impact of diabetes in the Dallas/Fort Worth area presents serious public health concerns for the North Texas community. It is estimated by the Baylor Healthcare system that 250,000 residents are currently living with diabetes, however it is estimated that 30% of the population is currently diagnosed. It is in response to these statistics that Baylor has committed $15 million over 5 years to create the Diabetes Health & Wellness Institute at the Juanita J. Craft Recreation Center in the Frazier community of South Dallas.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, a non-practicing registered nurse, stood among civic leaders such as Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert to welcome the new facility and its mission of serving the health needs of the Dallas area. “The prevention and treatment of diabetes addresses one of the most important public health issues faced in our communities,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “Unfortunately, diabetes most seriously affects our most vulnerable and underserved populations; those who can least find appropriate care or even guidance on how to avoid this preventable disease.” Statistically, the diabetes-related hospitalization rate is 17% higher for Southern Sector residents, and the mortality rate of those who reside in the 75210 zip code is three times higher than the others in the greater Dallas area.

The new facility, which comes after renovating 20,000 square feet of the Juanita J. Craft Recreation Center, includes the new 5,000 square-foot health center and adding an additional 5,000 square foot for meeting/educational space. The Baylor Health Care System estimates that 10-to-15 new jobs will be created, and they are committed to hire from within the community.

                                                                                                                          ###

U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a senior member of the Science Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which, includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Turtle Creek, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.