Franciscan Health Michigan City is presenting its free, faith-based church diabetes initiative, Fan Out Diabetes, beginning in April.

Franciscan Health Michigan City’s Fan Out Diabetes program is a faith-based diabetes initiative that pairs minority LaPorte County church congregations with the healthcare system and community organizations to bring two-day diabetes education, prevention and detection mini workshops – free of charge – to the church after Sunday services. The events feature education, screenings, insurance enrollment assistance and more.

April is National Minority Health Month, which aims to raise awareness about the health disparities that continue to impact racial and ethnic minority groups and to encourage action through health education, early detection and control of disease complications.

Partnering healthcare providers with cultural institutions that have the trust of minority populations, such as houses of worship, is one way to help improve health outcomes.

The next sessions will take place at High Praise Outreach Ministries, 301 E. 9th St. in Michigan City at 12:30 p.m. Central on April 7 and April 28. Participants are asked to attend on both dates.

The Fan Out Diabetes Workshops are sponsored by Franciscan Health Michigan City, MHS, CareSource, MDWise, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Michigan City Chapter Indiana Black Expo, Inc. and Covering Kids & Families of Indiana.

Summer and fall sessions will take place at other churches in Michigan City and Kingsford Heights.

The workshops are free and registration is not required. For more information, please contact Franciscan Health Michigan City Community Health Improvement Coordinator Nila Williams at Nila.Williams@franciscanalliance.org or (219) 283-9649.