Through the program, Owensboro residents can receive comprehensive diabetes care, from nutrition education to personalized health support.
In an effort to tackle the rising challenge of type 2 diabetes within local communities, UnitedHealthcare has introduced the Catalyst™ initiative in Owensboro, Kentucky. This community-based program is designed to identify and address the primary health challenges in local areas, starting with a significant focus on type 2 diabetes.
By partnering with the Audubon Area Community Care Clinic and Girls Inc., the Catalyst™ program aims to enhance community health outcomes through the promotion of healthy lifestyles and effective management of prediabetes and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, marking a pivotal step in a multiyear collaboration.
“UnitedHealthcare is committed to supporting communities across the Commonwealth with resources to better manage their health,” said Krista Hensel, Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kentucky. She emphasized the importance of tailoring health resources to meet the specific needs of each community. This partnership is designed to support individuals across generations in Owensboro by enhancing their health through diabetes prevention and control efforts.
Program highlights
Patients with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes receiving care at the Audubon Area Community Care Clinic will be eligible to participate in the program, regardless of their insurance provider. Enrolled individuals will benefit from comprehensive support, including personalized nutrition education, diabetic retinopathy eye exams and access to health-related social support services.
Empowering youth through education
A key component of the Catalyst™ initiative involves empowering younger generations through targeted education. Girls Inc. will roll out lifestyle educational programs for children aged 8 to 12, focusing on balanced nutrition, healthy snacks and the importance of physical activity. This program aims to instill healthy habits early, reducing the risk of diabetes and promoting overall well-being among the youth in Owensboro and Daviess County.
Samantha Taylor-Kaai, Clinic Program Director at Audubon Area Community Care Clinic, highlighted the substantial impact of diabetes on the population served by the community health center. “Many of our patients are battling other social determinants of health that make accessibility to diabetic needs extremely difficult,” she remarked. “By working together with UnitedHealthcare and Girls Inc., we aim to promote positive changes in our patients and transform their lives to help them meet their overall health goals.”
“There are so many children in Owensboro and Daviess County who are at risk of developing diabetes and other health conditions,” Tish Correa Osborne, Chief Executive Officer of Girls Inc. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute positively to the community’s health, emphasizing the importance of educating children on the relationship between diet, exercise, and overall well-being.
Community impact and goals
The introduction of the Catalyst™ program in Owensboro addresses a critical health issue, with the adult diabetes rate in the Audubon area exceeding both county and national averages. By emphasizing proper nutrition and effective disease management, the initiative seeks to prevent disease progression, minimize unnecessary medical visits and significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with diabetes. Additionally, the program underscores the importance of lifestyle changes in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes and other severe health complications.
Expanding community-based health solutions
UnitedHealthcare’s Catalyst™ initiative is part of a broader effort to implement over 25 community-based programs across the United States, in collaboration with more than 100 community-level partners. These programs leverage analytic insights and local partnerships to identify and address health challenges, creating coordinated, community-based solutions. Through these initiatives, UnitedHealthcare aims to enhance existing community efforts and resources, making a lasting impact on health outcomes over time.
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Header Image from Pexels
Press release link: https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/newsroom/2024/2024-02-06-uhc-program-diabetes-owensboro-community.html
