How the Y Supports Population Health Transformation

As a community-facing organization, the Y’s mission has long focused on helping people to live their healthiest lives and reach their full potential in mind, body, and spirit. We acknowledge that individual “health” is influenced by a range of environmental, social, and biological factors, many of which cannot be adequately addressed in the clinic. At the Y, we believe that community-based organizations focused on long-term relationship building and peer support are essential to successfully transition our healthcare system from a focus on volume to a focus on value. When 7 out of the 10 leading causes of death and 86% of healthcare spending in our country are related to chronic disease, “the way we’ve always done things” has to change.

We can extend the goals and values of clinical care into community settings—reaching more people with long-term, face-to-face support—when places like the Y and local healthcare systems work together. Our suite of chronic disease prevention and management programs use a combination of classroom settings, peer support, and physical activity to provide patients with the support they need to adopt the behaviors you recommend to improve their health. For individuals not yet ready for a specific program, we also work one-on-one with individuals to develop Personal Wellness Plans and connect them to appropriate next steps in their health journeys. 

Depending on the program, we tend to focus on and track progress around the following lifestyle goals:

  • healthy eating
  • moderate, sustainable physical activity
  • modest weight loss
  • staying motivated
  • building self-efficacy

At the Y, we empower people of all ages and abilities to change their lives for the better ─ and we do it through a personalized approach that meets every person’s individualized needs and goals.

A woman triumphiantly raising her arms

Weight and Nutrition Support

The Y promotes healthy nutrition, activity and lifestyles that will increase energy, decrease stress, prevent illness, and help sustain a healthy weight. 

Reclaiming Your Health

Reclaiming Your Health

Our Y staff are trained in supportive cancer care to safely help you achieve your goals, such as increasing flexibility and endurance, building muscle, and improving capacity to perform daily activities.

Five smiling healthcare providers

For Healthcare Providers

If you would like to refer your patient for participation in any of the programs mentioned above or more general health behavior change support, please click here.

.