MODELS FOR PRACTICE
FOCUS AREA:
EDUCATIONAL AND COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS
Program Name: Healthy U of Delmarva
Location:
Problem Addressed: Educational and Community-Based Programs
Healthy People 2010 Objective: 7
Web Address: www.healthyudelmarva.org
SNAPSHOT
Healthy U of Delmarva,
together with over 170 community partners, serves three rural counties on
This model was developed to
address the high incidence of diabetes and other chronic diseases that often
result from poor lifestyle choices. It focuses on enrolling residents into
community programs that will improve their health and reduce the risks
associated with unhealthy lifestyles. Healthy U of Delmarva is a comprehensive,
multi-factoral program that communicates a consistent message about the risks
of smoking and the benefits of a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and
preventive health screenings at places of work, schools, houses of worship,
public buildings, and in the media.
THE MODEL
Blueprint: Healthy U of Delmarva is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
with over 170 community partners. All of the original stakeholders still play
an active part in Healthy U of Delmarva operations. There are five paid staff
members and over 500 active volunteers, while another 500 volunteers act as
“community resource personnel.” It is operated through a private endowment fund
administered in part by the Community Foundation of the
As an incentive-based
program, Healthy U of Delmarva rewards participants for their healthy
behaviors. Throughout the year, community members can earn entries into monthly
drawings by participating in various health-promoting events, such as a walking
club, exercise classes, health lectures, and smoking cessation classes. One of
the largest incentives that Healthy U of Delmarva offers is the chance to win
the campaign’s grand prize, which was a new car in 2003 and a Harley Davidson
motorcycle in 2004. Participants are eligible for this annual drawing once they
have had their body mass index (BMI) measured—at baseline and 12 months later.
To overcome the barriers
associated with cost, local providers of exercise and health-related services
provide deeply discounted rates to Healthy U of Delmarva participants. This
model recognizes that some community members will still not be able to afford
such services and offers fitness scholarships to these individuals. Many
restaurants, home fitness equipment stores, and recreation parks also offer
discounted prices to anyone who has a Healthy U membership card.
Healthy U of Delmarva also
strives to include workplaces, faith-based organizations, educational institutions,
area non-profits, and governmental bodies into its program by recognizing
organizations that have done outstanding work in promoting long-term healthy
lifestyle changes among their members. Currently, 96 organizations are enrolled
to compete for a $5,000 prize in one of five respective categories. This
program, dubbed “Healthy U HUEY Awards,” is an incentive for businesses and
other community organizations to engage in a creative self-directed health
promotion program that fosters teamwork and camaraderie among its members.
Healthy U of Delmarva also
offers software to community members who are seeking guidance toward better
health. The Healthy U Diet and Exercise Private Tutor is a comprehensive,
sensible program that helps users integrate healthy eating and exercise into
their daily routines.
Making a Difference: To measure the effectiveness of Healthy U of
Delmarva, the participants’ height, weight, waist, and hip measurements are taken
at baseline. The participants also answer a series of questions about their
diet, exercise, smoking habits, personal goals, and health-related knowledge.
After 12 months, all participants have the same measurements taken and are
asked the same questions. Health researchers compare the new information with
the previous information to determine how Healthy U of Delmarva has impacted
the community. This information also helps with program modification,
expansion, and delivery. Initial results have shown an average 5 percent
reduction in weight, 6 percent reduction in body mass index, and 7 percent
reduction in waist circumference among the program participants.
Healthy U of Delmarva
communicates and markets to the community through its website, as well as
through the local media—television, radio, and newspaper. The program also
provides coalition partners with materials to disseminate, such as flyers and
brochures. Of the nearly 6,000 participants who signed up for the initial
registration in 2003, over half returned for their one-year survey and to
re-register for the 2004 campaign. In addition, over 1,000 new participants
signed up to participate in the program.
In the short-term, Healthy U
of Delmarva expects to see improvements in knowledge and modest weight and/or
BMI reduction among the participants. Desired long-term outcomes include making
positive changes in the rates of morbidity and mortality associated with
diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Beginnings: A community assessment in 2000 showed that the
residents of this region were at significant risk for chronic diseases due to
lifestyle-related choices. When compared with the residents of the
Healthy U of Delmarva was
founded by a community leader, Mitzi Perdue, with input from other local leaders
to encourage the community to prevent chronic disease by making lifestyle
improvements. The program began in July 2002 and was fully implemented by
January 2003.
Challenges and Solutions: One major challenge at the introduction of the
program was the doubt that existed among community members and leaders. They
did not believe that such a comprehensive program involving the entire
community could be successful. The key to overcoming this challenge was for the
program leaders to remain resolute and believe in the project and its mission.
The rapidly increasing
numbers of migrating minorities presents Healthy U of Delmarva with a new set
of challenges. One challenge is the high risk these populations have for
juvenile obesity. For this reason, the organization has begun to focus some
additional efforts on the children in the community. Expansion plans include
creating “Healthy Kids U,” based on the original Healthy U model. This model, a
five-year expansion effort, will build on existing services and programs within
the three-county area.
In its first year of
operation, Healthy U of Delmarva received Maryland’s “Outstanding Rural Health
Program of 2003” sponsored by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene, Maryland Office of Rural Health, and the Rural Maryland Council. It
also received the Maryland Medical Society President’s Award for “Outstanding
Contributions to Bettering the Health of Maryland’s Citizens.”
PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION
Wendy Boggs McGill, MHA
Healthy U of Delmarva
Phone: (410) 742-9202
Fax: (410) 742-9701