Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center (BLEC) is partnering with Generation 4, located in Anderson, S. C. to launch The SHIELD Program, a diabetes prevention and management initiative made possible through a grant from the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation in alignment with the goals of Diabetes Free SC.
The SHIELD Program is a free, 12-week initiative designed to empower adults, particularly those in communities of color with the tools and knowledge to prevent and manage diabetes.
“This partnership reflects our combined commitment to address a serious health issue and to contribute to improving the well-being of our respective communities,” said Dr. Cindye Richburg Cotton, BLEC executive director. “We are extremely thankful for the exceptional support of the foundation.”
Dr. Ankoma Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of Generation 4, added,” We cannot overstate the significance of this collaboration with the B r o o k l a n d – L a k e v i e w Empowerment Center and the tremendous support of the foundation. Together, our primary focus is to expand access to diabetes prevention and management services, reaching individuals at risk as well as those already living with the disease.”
The initiative will begin with an orientation session to introduce participants to The SHIELD Program, to review its structure and objectives, and to discuss clinical baseline metrics. Participants will also receive free clinical labs through a partnership with Clemson Rural Health.
In addition, participants will engage in educational sessions including diabetes awareness and prevention,
nutrition education and healthy cooking, guided physical activity, stress management, dedication management, and Self-management strategies.
The initiative is open to adults 18 and older. Classes will be held at both the Generation 4 site in Anderson and the BLEC campus in West Columbia. Classes started in August and will run until November. A new cohort will start at both sites in January 2026.
For more information regarding this health empowering initiative, please contact Dr. Ankoma Anderson, Grantee and Site Lead for the Generation 4 site via email at aanderson@welfarebc.net or phone number at 864-407- 8736 and contact Dr. Cindye Richburg Cotton, Co-Grantee and Site Lead for the BLEC site at 803-747-3519 (mobile) or email at crichburgcotton@brookland.cc.
