Merck Foundation Grant Expands YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program in Five States
September 29 2016 - 8:00AM
Business Wire
$2 Million Grant Boosts Efforts to Prevent Type
2 Diabetes in Participants with Prediabetes
The Merck Foundation and YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) announced today
that the Merck Foundation has provided a grant of $2 million over
three years to support efforts to expand the YMCA’s Diabetes
Prevention Program (YMCA’s DPP). This evidence-based, chronic
disease prevention program aims to improve the health of
participants with prediabetes through modest weight loss achieved
by healthy eating and physical activity. The grant supports the
program’s expansion in 60 communities across five states –
Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas.
The YMCA’s DPP, part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program
led by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
is a lifestyle behavior intervention program that includes 25
sessions delivered over 12 months in a small group setting.
Programs like the YMCA’s DPP have shown a 58- to 71-percent
reduction in the prevention or delay of new cases of type 2
diabetes in adults over 60.
“Diabetes is a serious and growing public health issue in the
United States, and people with prediabetes have an increased chance
of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Community-based, lifestyle intervention programs, like the YMCA’s
DPP, address health care gaps to help those at risk make changes to
improve their health,” said Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, chief patient
officer, Merck and chief executive officer, Merck Foundation. “We
are proud to partner with the Y-USA to implement innovative and
highly effective approaches to prevent type 2 diabetes.”
According to the CDC, an estimated 29 million people are living
with diabetes in the United States. Additionally, 15 to 30 percent
of the estimated 86 million people with prediabetes will develop
type 2 diabetes within five years unless they make changes to
improve their health.
“We are honored to partner with the Merck Foundation to address
the rising diabetes epidemic which costs the nation $245 billion
annually,” said Dr. Matt Longjohn, national health officer, Y-USA.
“As one of the leading community-based charities committed to
improving America’s health, this grant will extend the Y’s reach
and help reduce health disparities in five states with high rates
of type 2 diabetes.”
The YMCA’s DPP in Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
and Texas, will receive funding over three years to establish
community outreach programs, and will source local funders and
payors, as well as establish partnerships to ensure the program
becomes embedded into the local communities for long-term
success.
Participants in the expanded program will have the opportunity
to join more than 46,000 peers and 4,000 health coaches in existing
networks across 47 states – amounting to the largest in-person
delivery of quality interventions in the United States.
About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening
communities through youth development, healthy living and social
responsibility. In the United States, 2,700 Ys engage 22 million
men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background –
to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the
nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give
back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000
communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical
presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and
social change. For more information, visit www.ymca.net.
About the Merck Foundation
The Merck Foundation is a U.S.-based, private charitable
foundation. Established in 1957 by Merck, a global health care
leader, the Foundation is funded entirely by the company and is
Merck’s chief source of funding support to qualified non-profit
charitable organizations. Since its inception, the Merck Foundation
has contributed more than $844 million to support important
initiatives that address societal needs and are consistent with
Merck’s overall mission to help the world be well. For more
information, visit www.merckgiving.com.
View source
version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160929005135/en/
Merck Media:Lainie Keller, (908) 236-5036orJeanine Clemente,
(908) 236-5059orYMCA Media:Kevin Dietz, (312) 419-8418
Merck (NYSE:MRK)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2024 to May 2024
Merck (NYSE:MRK)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2023 to May 2024