Mission

To develop and disseminate culturally relevant information about diabetes, nutrition, exercise and obesity prevention in the Latino, African-American and other high risk communities.

Vision

To establish a community-based infrastructure for healthy lifestyles in the Latino, African-American and other high risk communities.

HISTORY

Heberto M. Sanchez, with the collaboration of other caring individuals, established the Latino Diabetes Association to create a very much needed resource to the Latino community. The LDA is the only diabetes organization that focuses on Latinos within the inner cities and housing projects. The LDA has received an outpour of response from other communities, including the African-American community to provide diabetes, nutrition and well-ness services to their seniors and youth.

The LDA is working diligently to build collaborations with local school districts to provide diabetes, nutrition and well-ness presentations to students.

Mr. Sanchez's strong push for this organization originates from personal experience and loss due to diabetes. His father, Heberto Sanchez Sr., lost the battle with diabetes in December 2003 and his sister currently has been diagnosed.

Mr. Sanchez has become a strong and vocal advocate for the establishment of centers and resources that provide education to the Latino, African-American and other high-risk communities on Diabetes. The goal is not to only provide material to individuals who are diagnosed, but more importantly to provide material for those at risk. This information will educate them on how to reduce the risk of getting this disease.