Through this program, Owensboro residents have access to comprehensive diabetes care, from nutritional education to personalized health support.
In an effort to address the growing challenge of type 2 diabetes in our community, UnitedHealthcare has introduced the Catalyst™ initiative in Owensboro, Kentucky. This community-based program is designed to identify and address the region’s major health challenges, starting with a focus on type 2 diabetes.
The Catalyst™ program, in partnership with Audubon Regional Community Care Clinics and Girls, Inc., improves community health outcomes through the promotion of healthy lifestyles and effective management of prediabetes and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. This is a pivotal step in a multi-year collaboration.
“UnitedHealthcare is committed to supporting our communities by providing resources to improve health care in communities across the commonwealth,” said Krista Hensel, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kentucky. I’m working hard,” he said. She emphasized the importance of tailoring health resources to the specific needs of each community. This partnership aims to support individuals across generations by improving the health of Owensboro through diabetes prevention and management efforts.
Program highlights
Patients with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes who are being treated at the Audubon Area Community Care Clinic are eligible to participate in the program, regardless of their insurance company. Enrollees will benefit from comprehensive support, including personalized nutrition education, eye exams for diabetic retinopathy, and access to health-related social support services.
Empowering youth through education
A key element of the Catalyst™ initiative includes empowering young generations through targeted education. Girls Inc. develops lifestyle education programs for children ages 8 to 12 that focus on the importance of balanced nutrition, healthy snacks, and physical activity. This program aims to instill healthy habits early in the youth of Owensboro and Davis County, reducing the risk of diabetes and promoting overall well-being.
Samantha Taylor Cai, clinic program director for the Audubon Regional Community Care Clinic, emphasized the tremendous impact of diabetes on the people served by community health centers. “Many of our patients struggle with other social determinants of health that make accessing their diabetes needs very difficult,” she said. “By collaborating with UnitedHealthcare and Girls Inc., we aim to foster positive change in our patients and help them transform their lives and achieve their overall health goals.”
“There are so many children in Owensboro and Davis counties who are at risk for developing diabetes and other health conditions,” said Tish Correa Osborne, CEO of Girls Inc. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to make a positive contribution to health, emphasizing that: The importance of educating children about the relationship between diet, exercise, and overall well-being.
Community impact and goals
The implementation of the Catalyst™ program in Owensboro addresses a critical health issue with adult diabetes rates in the Audubon region exceeding both county and national averages. This initiative focuses on proper nutrition and effective disease management to prevent disease progression, minimize unnecessary medical visits, and significantly improve the quality of life for people with diabetes. That’s what I’m aiming for. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes and other serious health complications.
Expanding community-based health solutions
UnitedHealthcare’s Catalyst™ initiative is part of a broader effort to implement more than 25 community-based programs across the United States in collaboration with more than 100 community-level partners. These programs leverage analytical insights and local partnerships to identify and address health challenges and create tailored, community-based solutions. Through these efforts, UnitedHealthcare aims to strengthen existing community efforts and resources and make a lasting impact on health outcomes over the long term.
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Press release link: https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/newsroom/2024/2024-02-06-uhc-program-diabetes-owensboro-community.html
