Keywords

community health center, chronic care model, diabetes, physical activity, underserved populations

 

Authors

  1. Candib, Lucy M. MD
  2. Silva, Matthew PharmD
  3. Cashman, Suzanne B. ScD
  4. Ellstrom, Deborah BS
  5. Mallett, Kristin BS

Abstract

Community health centers face the need for safe, accessible, and affordable exercise for low-income patients to implement self-management strategies. This study reports on one federally qualified health center's experience developing a partnership with a local YWCA to offer open access to patients for physical activity. Over a 24-month period, 1060 adult patients made at least 1 visit to the YWCA, logging a total of 14,276 visits. Among the exercisers, 112 had diabetes and made 3225 visits. Frequent users (>=24 visits), had an HbAlc reduction of 1% (P = .02). Community health centers can collaborate with local exercise facilities to ensure that patients have opportunities to pursue healthier lifestyles.