Chronic Disease Management and other educational classes were identified by MCPH as an action, that when combined with other actions in our community, has a reasonable chance of making a difference in decreasing the high level of Obesity in our community, and subsequently, other health issues that result from being overweight. This is a new program in our community. 

These classes can be held all over the community to accommodate those with disabilities. Currently, our plan is to begin holding these classes in the local library for ease of access and scheduling.

The partners for this program include:

• MountainWise Diabetes Prevention Program
• Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions classes will begin in June 2023. The first class will be an 6 week workshop (meeting once per week for 2 hours) and will be limited to 10 students.
• This class was chosen due to the high rate of people in Macon county living with a chronic condition, which can limit one's activity and increase chances of obesity. Our goal is to educate people on how to manage their chronic conditions and increase their health and wellness.

• Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions was a 6 week workshop that met once a week for 2 hours. A commitment for the entire class was required. Only two student signed up for the course and only one actually attended every class. Follow-up with the one student was positive. She continues to use the skills taught in the class to control her chronic conditions at home. Future plans consist of breaking up the course into several mini-workshops offered on different dates and times to encourage better attendance.
• Several health fairs were conducted throughout Macon County inform people of available health services. Lack of information appears to be a factor in rural areas for those who do not have regular health care.
• A permanent display of health related informational brochures was added to the Macon County Public Library. Brochures are changed out monthly to provide a wide variety of information to the public.
• MCPH conducted several events aimed at encouraging better health for families. This included a "Duck Hunt", the Healthy LIttle Learners program (which is still ongoing), and the Mighty Writers Storybook Challenge. All of these events were well attended and we received positive feedback from the community.
• Medicaid expansion was finally approved and began late last year. 
• MCPH and Mountainwise will be participating in a health fair at the Macon Campus of Southwestern Community College in March.
• MCPH and Mountainwise will be participating in a Good Neighbor Clinic in April. This event is sponsored by the Seventh Day Adventist Church.