AHI is partnering with CVPH Medical Center, Hudson Headwaters Health Network and Washington County Public Health to implement and expand diabetes prevention efforts in six Adirondack-region counties. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program launched earlier this year in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Warren and Washington counties. The New York State Health Foundation awarded AHI a grant to support this initiative.
“Adirondack Health Institute is both the facilitator and lead organization for this grant to build the infrastructure to develop a network of certified lifestyle coaches to deliver the National Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program,” explained Bob Cawley, Director of Medical Home Initiatives, AHI. “We are collaborating with existing partners to develop a referral base from providers and employers who have established workplace wellness programs to train the lifestyle coaches and implement this vital regional health care program.”
The initiative covers a largely rural population of approximately 300,000 residents, nearly 13 percent of whom live under the federal poverty level. The program is targeting those with pre-diabetes or who are at risk for diabetes, while more permanent solutions are being developed.
