FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2006

Contact: Katara Williams
Office of Public Relations
P.O. Box 10010
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813
(225)771-2242 / (225) 771-4374 Fax
www.suagcenter.com

SU Ag Center seeking Partners to Implement National Program to Improve Health and Fitness

Baton Rouge- The Southern University Ag Center is seeking churches, non-profits and other organizations that are committed to promoting healthier communities and lifestyles among African Americans, to assist in implementing the national Sisters Together Program.

Sisters Together, created by the Harvard School of Public Health, is designed to educate African American women on the benefits of increased physical activity and healthier eating habits. Sisters Together was highlighted as one of ten model programs in the first Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity. The campaign themes and focused activities emphasize self efficacy, resource development, and community partnerships.

The Southern University Ag Center has designed and implemented the curriculum locally through a pilot program last year funded by the LA Department of Health and Hospitals and is seeking to expand the program state wide through partnerships with other organizations.

“The pilot program was extremely successful last year, having over 150 African American females that participated,” says De’Shoin Friendship, Ag Center Nutrition Specialist and program head. “At the end of the pilot program many participants indicated improvements in their health, and there was even significant weight loss resulting from our walking groups and healthy cooking demonstrations held at the Ag Center.”

Through this program the SU Ag Center nutrition program ultimately plans to affect lifestyle changes by reaching even more communities throughout the state, promoting healthier lives for all African American females. For more information on how to become a participant or sponsor of the Sisters Together Program, contact EBR Parish Agent Karen Stevens at 225-389-3055.

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