American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting diabetes and its consequences through research, education, and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the ADA aims to prevent and cure diabetes while improving the lives of all people affected by the disease by providing resources and support to individuals, advocating for public policy changes, and funding research to better understand diabetes and develop new treatments. The ADA also offers a wide range of community-based programs aimed at increasing awareness, promoting healthy lifestyles, and providing education on diabetes management. Through its comprehensive efforts, the ADA seeks to enhance the quality of life for people with diabetes and to reduce the incidence of the disease.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is taking significant steps toward reducing health disparities and improving quality of life. In partnership with the American Diabetes Association® , Delta Sigma proudly has launched an impactful community initiative aimed at combating diabetes—a health issue that disproportionately affects the Black community. This collaborative effort focuses on educating, supporting, and empowering individuals through comprehensive programming and resources tailored to address the unique challenges faced by African Americans with respect to diabetes.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Partnership
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a leading institution in pediatric science and medicine. Founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas, St. Jude is dedicated to advancing cures and preventive measures for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Since its inception over 50 years ago, St. Jude has increased the overall survival rate for childhood cancer from less than 20% to more than 80%. The hospital continues to be a beacon of hope worldwide, striving toward the day when no child dies from cancer.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. continues to strengthen its partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, focusing on enhancing breakthroughs in cures and preventive measures for pediatric diseases. Through our collaborative efforts, we strive to ensure that no child is left behind in the battle against serious diseases, reflecting our shared dedication to service and community outreach.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September is recognized as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a vital period for addressing the unique challenges cancer poses to children, particularly within the African American community. Studies reveal that African American children have a significantly lower survival rate for most types of childhood cancers compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts.
St. Jude is dedicated to bridging these gaps in healthcare and advancing cures that benefit every child, regardless of their background. This month, we spotlight these efforts and affirm our commitment to ensuring that every child has a fighting chance against cancer.
March of Dimes
Delta Sigma Theta has partnered with the March of Dimes to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.
For 80 years, March of Dimes has helped millions of babies survive and thrive. Building on that legacy to level the playing field for all moms and babies, regardless of age, socio-economic background or demographics. They support moms throughout their pregnancy, even when everything doesn’t go according to plan.
Like March of Dimes, Delta Sigma Theta believes that every baby deserves a healthy life. We advocate for policies that prioritize their health. We support radical improvements to the care they receive. We implement programs that support their needs. Tempe Alumnae is engaged with several of these initiatives with an emphasis on the needs and care of African American mothers and babies, who are often underrepresented in research and access to healthcare.
Maternal Death and Pregnancy Related Death
From 2019 to 2021. the U.S. infant mortality rate for Black babies was 10.5 per one thousand births. The infant mortality rate of Black babies in Arizona is 2.1 times higher than the state rate. African American mothers are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than their White counterpart. Many factors can contribute to health disparities. Some include quality healthcare, underlying chronic conditions, cultural bias, and racism. There are social determinants of health that can prevent many people from racial and ethnic minority groups from having equal access for economic, physical, and emotional health.
NICU Project - Books for Babies
Studies show that a mother reading to her baby helps stimulate the baby’s nervous system, regulates body systems, and promotes bonding between mother and baby. When a newborn is assigned to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), they and their parents can feel isolated from each other so activities, such as reading to the babies, can solidify that parent-child bonding through sound and tone of voice. Additionally, the siblings of NICU babies find themselves spending a lot of time in hospitals so they too need reading materials and activities to do while they are visiting.
The Tempe Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. has partnered with March of Dimes Books for Babies to bring resources to these families. It is our goal to provide at least 300 children's books for NICU babies and their siblings at St. Joseph's Hospital.
Please join us by donating brand new non-religious books to our book drive. Books should be hardback so they are easy to clean and applicable for children of all ages. You may purchase books from anywhere you choose or you can use the Amazon list we have provided using the below button. Books can be delivered to any member of our chapter or mailed to us here:
Tempe Alumnae Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
P. O. Box 25321
Tempe, AZ 85285
Thank you in advance for your donation in support of the families of St. Joseph's Hospital.
Partnership with National Council of Negro Women
Good Health WINs
Delta Sigma Theta has partnered with the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and their network of national and local partners to ensure accurate information is shared about vaccines. Good Health WINs (Women's Immunization Networks) is focused on five specific goals:
- Increase availability of messages that resonate with Black and Hispanic communities;
- Increase range of trusted community voices supporting vaccine education and delivery;
- Increase number and diversity of vaccination opportunities;
- Increase number of partnerships or collaborative activities between providers and community organizations, and
- Implement strategies to reduce racial and/or ethnic disparities in adult vaccination coverage.
Soul Stroll for Healthy Living
Join us for our signature annual fundraiser and a day full of wellness, fun, and community connection. The event features a 1K and 5K walk, FREE health screenings, children's activities, fitness sessions and kickball tournament.