https://ymcawnc.org/minority-diabetes-prevention-program-mdpp

The Minority Diabetes Prevention Program is a lifestyle management program provided by the YMCA that is designed to support participants in preventing the onset of Diabetes Type II.  Delivered by the YMCA of WNC, the program emphasizes intentional relationship building, connectedness among participants and excellent program facilitation by skilled Lifestyle Coaches.   For 2022, 71 people enrolled in MDPP with an 87% retention rate over the 12-month, 24 session program geared toward serving priority populations including Hispanic/Latino and Black/African American. The majority of MDPP’s programs were delivered virtually with two in-person Spanish Speaking programs.  In addition, their staff screened over 150 community members for prediabetes.

Testimonial from Lifestyle Coach, Rosario Villarreal about her Summer 2022 program cohort:

 ‘Our greatest success has been staying together despite the circumstances.’

Multiple cases of COVID, flu, 3 deaths of relatives of the participants, gallbladder operation, pre-heart attack, accident at work, etc. affected our class.

Over the last two to three years cases like these have been seen in the groups and the number of people who leave the program has increased due to these circumstances, it is more important than ever to create community through in-person classes with the option to participate virtually.

Referring participants to additional resources has become part of the daily work of supporting the participants not only for them but in asking for support for their families or friends. In this particular group (8 participants) referrals were made to the Mexican Consulate for power of attorney procedures, funeral services, mental health, food resources, help with emergency Medicaid, etc. In other classes we help participants to find jobs.

Equity is:  Relieving participants' stress with the extra support provided, which is crucial for blood sugar levels to drop or at least maintain prediabetes levels.

YMCA of WNC continues to provide Minority Diabetes Prevention classes in both Buncombe and Henderson counties. Due to the hard work and dedication of the YMCA staff, the MDPP program earned the CDC Full Recognition status. With the change in status, the MDPP program can now receive Medicare reimbursement for services. The YMCA also began offering DPP, Diabetes Prevention Program earlier this year.