a leading voice on health and well-being
In communities across the nation, the Y is a leading voice on health and well-being. Over past 15 years, the Y has driven innovation in prevention and control of chronic disease to save lives and reduce healthcare spending. With support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Y delivers tangible results in evidence-based chronic disease prevention and control. Across the country, Ys are increasing opportunities and policies promoting physical activity, improving access to healthy affordable foods and advancing environmental change that makes the healthier choice the easy choice.
- Preventing Diabetes Through Evidence-Based Programming and Retention
With 96 million Americans living with prediabetes, including half of all seniors, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, part of CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program, helps adults at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes reduce their risk for developing the disease by taking steps that will improve their overall health and well-being. The Y partners with the American Diabetes Association and the Diabetes Advocacy Alliance to advocate for increased funding for CDC’s diabetes prevention efforts.
- Expanding Hypertension Monitoring Programs to Reach All Americans
The Y works with CDC, the American Heart Association and state and local health departments to prevent and treat risk factors for heart disease and stroke; and advocates for funding for CDC’s Heart Disease & Stroke Program, Million Hearts Program, and WISEWOMAN Program.
- Advancing Public Health Approaches to Arthritis Control and Falls Prevention
Enhance®Fitness is helping some of the 59 million Americans living with arthritis and other physical limitations become more active, energized and empowered for independent living. This program also helps prevent falls. The Y partners with the Arthritis Foundation to advocate for funding for CDC’s Arthritis Program to help the Y and other community-based organizations continue to scale evidence-based programs.
- Providing Physical Activity and Social Supports for Cancer Survivors
Working together with the LIVESTRONG® Foundation and One Voice Against Cancer, the Y advocates for increased funding for state Comprehensive Cancer Control Programs that support cancer survivor programming in states and communities.
- Helping Children Achieve a Healthier Weight
The Y partners with the American Academy of Pediatrics to secure funding to further scale this program through CDC’s Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity.
- Addressing Social Determinants of Health
The Y advocates for funding ongoing efforts to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities through the CDC’s REACH program.
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Advocating
Healthy living is public policy priority for the Y. So many people benefit from our programs focused on their well-being. We continue to strive to include even more kids in these supportive initiatives.