CVS Health Announces National Support of YMCA of the USA Diabetes Prevention Program and LIVESTRONG Foundation Initiatives

$225,000 investment expands programming at twenty YMCA Chapters
Sep 12, 2016 3:20 PM ET

WOONSOCKET, R.I., September 12, 2016 /3BL Media/ -- CVS Health today announced that it has partnered with the YMCA of theUSA (Y-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," said Eileen Howard Boone, senior vice president of 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 percent overall and by 71 percent 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 Dr. 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 in the following areas:

  • Birmingham Metropolitan YMCA (AL)
  • Florida's First Coast YMCA (FL)
  • YMCA of the Capital Area (LA)
  • YMCA of Central Ohio (OH)
  • YMCA of Greater Dayton (OH)
  • YMCA of Memphis and The Mid-South (TN)
  • Houston Texans YMCA (TX)
  • Central Coast YMCA (CA)
  • YMCA of Wichita (KS)
  • YMCA of Delaware (DE)

An additional ten 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 in the following areas:

  • YMCA of San Diego County (CA)
  • Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA (FL)
  • Golden Corridor Family YMCA (IL)
  • YMCA of Central Massachusetts (MA)
  • YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids (MI)
  • YMCA of Capital District (NY)
  • YMCA of Greater Cincinnati (OH)
  • Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA (PA)
  • YMCA of Greater San Antonio (TX)
  • West Orem Family YMCA (TX)

About the Y
The Y is one of the nation's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 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. ymca.net 

About CVS Health
CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its more than 9,600 retail pharmacies, more than 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with nearly 80 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, and expanding specialty pharmacy services, the Company enables people, businesses and communities to manage health in more affordable and effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at https://www.cvshealth.com.