To prevent and control the devastating effects of diabetes and substance abuse, in 1995, the Winnebago Tribe created the Whirling Thunder Wellness Program, which raises community awareness about diabetes and substance abuse, administers primary and secondary prevention services, and encourages healthy lifestyles that are consistent with traditional practices. Among the Program’s innovations are the "Team Up" diabetes patient retreat, "Kidz Café" which provides healthy summertime meals and snacks to community children, and after school programs that provide safe, adult-supervised cultural and physical activities for up to 50 children during peak "risk" hours.
Additional Information
"Whirling Thunder Wellness Program." Honoring Nations: 2002 Honoree. Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. Cambridge, Massachusetts. 2003. Report.