We’d like to show the side of the world you don’t normally see on television.

New Spanish-language radio drama addresses public health, cultural issues

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, Mexican-Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as non-Hispanic whites. Last year, Alabama was ranked the second most obese state (among adults) on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation report, “F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future 2010.”

Media for Health, Media Impact and several partner organizations are trying to change that with a new radio soap opera called, Promesas y Traiciones (Promises and Betrayals). The drama will air on La Jefa AM 620/1450/1500 on Saturdays at 10 a.m. during “Listen to Who’s Talking,” a talk show hosted by Ernesto Usma and teen intern Vianey Mendez.

“Entertainment is a powerful tool for informing people, so we decided to use that power for a good cause,” says Betsy Hunter, executive director of Media for Health. “We want to engage communities in a dialogue about chronic disease prevention.”

To raise awareness, Media for Health and La Jefa are hosting a launch party at Heardmont Park on Saturday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event includes food, games and a live broadcast of the drama. Those in attendance will have an opportunity to meet the actors, as well as one of the show’s producers, Dr. Marcela Frazier.

Media for Health, a member of the Jefferson County Health Action Partnership, and Media Impact are producing a similar program for African-American audiences called “Living Well in Camberwell,” which will begin airing on June 30 on Heaven 610 WAGG-AM.

Both soap operas, part of the Champions for Health campaign, feature 48 episodes of real-life drama and characters struggling with diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking and more. Health experts will join the hosts during each broadcast to talk about the health issues in the episodes and to answer listener questions.

More information about Media for Health is available at www.mediaforhealth.org.
More information about Media Impact is available at www.mediaimpact.org.
To learn more about Promesas y Traiciones visit www.promesasytraiciones.org, or contact Michelle Bowen at 205.870.9422 or michelle@mediaforhealth.org.

About Champions for Health
Champions for Health is an initiative of the Jefferson County Health Action Partnership, a coalition of nineteen area nonprofits working alongside the Jefferson County Department of Health to encourage physical activity, reduce obesity, expand food access, advance smoke free policies and improve the overall health of Jefferson County residents. Champions for Health is made possible by funding from the Department of Health and Human Services through the Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) program. Learn more about the campaign online at www.championsforhealth.org.

About The Modern Brand Co. LLC
Based in Birmingham, AL, The Modern Brand Co. LLC was founded in October of 2007 in the Entrepreneurial District. The company’s central mission is to deliver strategic brand consulting coupled with results-oriented creativity for small businesses and nonprofit agencies in the Southeast. More than an advertising agency, The Modern Brand Company is a full-service brand consultancy providing services from brand positioning and marketing strategy to public relations and graphic design. No matter the industry, The Modern Brand Company builds brands to stand the test of time. The Modern Brand is a partner of the Champions for Health campaign. Learn more about The Modern Brand Co. LLC atwww.themodernbrand.com.

PCI-Media Impact empowers communities worldwide to inspire enduring change through creative storytelling.
For 25 years, Media Impact has worked with local partners to produce Entertainment-Education and social change communications programs that address the most pressing social and environmental issues. Using its unique My Community methodology, Media Impact engages and empowers audiences around the world to improve their own lives. Working with local partners, Media Impact tells the stories that change the world.

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