HP launches new CDC-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program for Bronx residents

Health People (HP) announced today the launch of its new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program for Bronx residents to help the borough combat its high diabetes-related death rate - the highest in the city.

Starting this fall, Health People's Diabetes Prevention Program will hold its first series of year-long, 22-session courses led by 10 HP mentors - local residents who have been trained as CDC-approved "lifestyle coaches." The year-long courses are designed to educate Bronx residents with high blood sugar (pre-diabetes) diabetes and about healthy eating, exercise, and managing stress in a way that slashes their risk of developing diabetes by almost 60%.

A recent New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene report that found that while the overall number of deaths in New York City (NYC) is declining, diabetes-related deaths are increasing, particularly in the Bronx. According to the report, of the 10 NYC community districts with the highest rates of diabetes-related mortality, five are in the Bronx. By comparison, Brooklyn has four, Manhattan one and Queens and Staten Island none.

"We are excited and honored to be the first organization to bring these much needed health and wellness services to our fellow Bronxites, many of whom are desperate for real help to avoid diabetes," said Chris Norwood, executive director, Health People. "By using the CDC program along with HP's own successful longtime approach of peer-to-peer education, we are confident we can reach these folks right in their neighborhoods and help combat the borough's pervasive diabetes problem.

"Right now, Medicare and Medicaid will pay to have a diabetes patient's leg amputated, but will not fund prevention programs that educate the patients with high blood sugar to take basic steps to health so that amputation never becomes an issue. Our program will provide this kind of education that is well-studied to slash diabetes and enable people to lead productive lives."