CVS Health helps YMCA expand Diabetes Prevention Program and LIVESTRONG

WOONSOCKET, R.I. - CVS Health on Monday announced that it has partnered with the YMCA of the USA to help expand two programs that provide critical support to people across the country: the Diabetes Prevention Program and the nationally recognized LIVESTRONG Foundation at the YMCA program.



"At CVS Health, we're focused on providing resources and services that empower patients to manage their health in more affordable and effective ways," stated Eileen Howard Boone, SVP corporate social responsibility and philanthropy at CVS Health. "We're proud to partner with Y-USA to help both cancer survivors and those at risk of diabetes on their path to better health whether it's helping them learn healthy eating habits or improving their physical and emotional well-being."



The YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program is a group-based lifestyle intervention for adults at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Through a 12-month evidence-based plan, the program has been successful in reducing the number of new cases of diabetes by 58% overall and by 71% in adults over 60.



LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a 12-week evidence-based program that focuses on best practices for physical activity and well-being initiatives for cancer survivors. The program empowers adult cancer survivors to improve functional capacity and to increase their quality of life through an organized program of fitness and strength offered in a supportive, small-group setting.



"As a leading community-based organization committed to improving America's health, our goal is to provide everyone access to initiatives like the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program and the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program," said Matt Longjohn, national health officer, Y-USA. "Through the generosity of CVS Health, local YMCAs will be able to provide free access to services for diabetes patients and cancer survivors, who may not otherwise be able to participate in these valuable support programs."



Ten local chapters across the U.S. will receive a 2016-2017 Participation Support Grant from the Y-USA and CVS Health to support the Diabetes Prevention Program.



An additional 10 chapters will receive a 2016-2017 Participation Support Grant from Y-USA, in partnership with CVS Health and the LIVESTRONG Foundation. These grants will help boost participation and provide more cancer survivors with access to the program.