2010 Priority: Diabetes (Resources)
In all Region IV states, rates of diabetes among resident populations currently exceed the national average. Economically, the region’s health infrastructure suffers staggering burden from an array of diabetes-related complications; and socially, premature illness and disability persecute quality of life and healthy years. The complex, costly and serious nature of diabetes and other chronic diseases in the territory is the impetus for the Southeast Regional Initiative, a collaborative effort designed to allow knowledge, information, and effective marketing of 2010 health priority and disparities core issues to be leveraged across the infrastructure within the health care system. Together with our sponsoring organizations (State Health Departments, state legislators, universities, volunteer entities, and public and private organizations), we will frame the initiative’s work and policy agenda, with a beginning focus on significantly lowering morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes in the Southeast. For more information, contact Dr. Arlene M. Lester, Regional Minority Health Consultant (404-562-7905 or Alester@osophs.dhhs.gov).

2010 Events:
August 26 - 30, 2002
Blacks in Government National Training and Health Conference, Atlanta, Georgia. Sponsored by Blacks In Government (BIG). For more information contact HerronGW@oro.doe.gov.
October 25, 2002
Minority and Women’s Health Annual Program Review, Atlanta Federal Center, Atlanta, Georgia. Sponsored by the Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Health and Science, US Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS). For more information contact Alester@osophs.dhhs.gov.
Contacts and Links:
Office of the Secretary (OS)
Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
The Southeast Hub
Director -- Carlis Williams -- 404-562-2800
Administration on Aging (AoA)
Regional Administrator -- Percy Devine -- 404-562-7600
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Regional Administrator -- Rose Crum-Johnson -- 404-562-7150
Division of Health Plans & Providers -- Wilma Cooper -- 404-562-7390
Division of Medicaid & State Operations -- Eugene Grasser -- 404-562-7400
Division of Financial Management & Program Initiatives -- Dale Kendrick -- 404-562-7300
Division of Beneficiary Services -- Teresa Wilson -- 404-562-7500
Consortium Contract Management Officer -- Delores Heglar -- 404-562-7230
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Mid-Atlantic Regional/District Offices (Serves Kentucky)
Director -- Susan Setterberg -- 215-597-8058
Southeast Regional/District Offices
(Serves Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee)
Director -- Gary Dykstra -- 404-253-1171
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)
Field Director -- Ketty Gonzalez -- 404-562-7972
Indian Health Service (IHS)
Nashville Area (Serves Eastern United States)
Director -- Michael D. Tiger -- 617-467-1505