NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Daughters of Charity Services of New Orleans is getting $350,000 over three years to set up a diabetes prevention program.
Officials say the program will start at five health centers and eventually will expand to centers across New Orleans.
People who are overweight, don't eat a healthy diet and are not active are the most likely to develop type 2 diabetes, once called adult-onset diabetes.
The clinics will provide educational sessions on diabetes, nutrition, physical activity, managing stress and overcoming barriers, to help participants lose 7 percent of their weight and increase physical activity to 2½ hours a week.
Market Umbrella, which runs four weekly farmers markets, will provide vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables. The YMCA will offer gym memberships and diabetes prevention programs for participants.
It will help improve the well-being of "a population that is often vulnerable to poor health and lifestyle choices," said Michael G. Griffin, president and CEO of Daughters of Charity Services of New Orleans.
This year's other finalists for the New Orleans grant were The American Heart Association and Ochsner Health System. Humana's final-round judging included an online poll for area residents to state their favorite.
The grant is from the Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of insurer Humana Inc. It takes applications annually from nonprofit organizations in Orleans, Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, St. James, Plaquemines, Washington and Tangipahoa parishes for the New Orleans grant.
"Providing people with the resources they need to get healthy is an impactful first step toward achieving overall well-being," said Humana Louisiana Employer Group Vice President Rhonda Bagby.
