SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina is partnering with Novant Health to enhance community health and wellness. The organizations will work together to provide health screenings, vaccinations, and wellness programs aimed at managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cancer. By implementing improved services, such as preventative wellness programs, the partnership seeks to increase healthcare availability for underserved populations throughout southeastern North Carolina.
“To effectively address the health and wellness needs of our community, organizations need to collaborate to drive change and advance health equity,” said Dick Jones, president and CEO of the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina. “Our strategic health and wellness partnership with Novant Health will improve the trajectory of our community’s health through an emphasis on prevention and whole person wellbeing. Not only does this collaboration highlight our shared focus on a healthy community, but it will also expand our reach to advance health equity across southeastern North Carolina.”
The YMCA, in collaboration with Novant Health, offers a variety of health and wellness programs designed to inspire change, build community, and help participants reach their health goals. The Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program, for example, concentrates on strategies aimed at helping adults with pre-diabetes. Additional guidance is available through the Healthy Living with Diabetes Program, which provides a supportive and educational environment for those living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and is led by certified level II diabetes educators and health coaches.
“We have been able to serve hundreds of individuals over the past 9 years,” said YMCA Community Health Programs Director Bridget Carroll. “There are so many success stories, including one Diabetes Prevention Program participant who, at first, struggled to walk any distances. She attended sessions, tracked food and activity, didn’t give up, and completed the program. She reached out a couple of years later to tell me that she is still following the program, has lost over 100lbs, and walks at least a couple of miles each day. This program has made such a significant impact on her life and overall health.”
The YMCA also offers a Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program that educates and aids attendees in tracking and managing their blood pressure. This program is enhanced by Healthy Heart Ambassadors who offer guidance and supply necessary tracking tools.
Group health improvement programs, such as Enhance®Fitness, Parkinson’s Exercise, and Moving For Better Balance are designed to promote active lifestyles for older adults through engaging social and physical opportunities. Enhance®Fitness caters to older adults of all fitness levels, particularly those with arthritis, helping them regain strength and balance. Parkinson’s Exercise uses cycling and research-based exercises to encourage adults at all stages of the disease. Moving For Better Balance targets improving balance and mobility through tai chi for older adults and those with chronic health conditions.
Meeting personal goals and finding community resources is made easier through programs like Healthy Weight and Your Child and Livestrong at the YMCA. Healthy Weight and Your Child assists children and caregivers in improving overall well-being by staying active through enjoyable activities and making informed wellness choices. Livestrong at the YMCA, which is supported by donations to the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, is a free wellness program for adult cancer survivors. Participants enjoy connecting with one another in a supportive and encouraging environment as they work toward their health goals with guidance from YMCA staff.
The partnership between the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina and Novant Health marks a significant step toward enhancing community wellness initiatives. Together, they are creating a pathway to a healthier, thriving community.
For more information, visit ymcasenc.org/CommunityHealth
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