Join the Healthier Choices Coalition!

BECAUSE in Howard County, 13% of adult residents have diabetes and an estimated 37% of Howard Countians have prediabetes; and

BECAUSE diabetes rates are dramatically increasing in Howard County and across the country; and

BECAUSE systemic racism has led to inequities where in Howard County, African American residents are more than twice as likely as their white counterparts to have diabetes; and

BECAUSE experts predict that these rates will continue to grow unless we act quickly; and

BECAUSE taking action to make healthier food and drinks more available, accessible, and affordable in Howard County will reduce diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.

Therefore, I/my organization will:

• Advocate for policies including those that will:
  • Make fresh fruits and vegetables more widely available, accessible, and affordable in Howard County, especially to families on a tight budget;
  • Improve the quality of food served to students in Howard County schools; and
  • Add labels/signs to high sugar drinks to warn residents of the dangers associated with daily use.
• Participate in periodic Coalition meetings.
• Let lawmakers know that these policies are important by participating in public hearings, forums, etc.