The Conemaugh Diabetes Institute has been awarded a grant from the National Council on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) to increase inclusivity awareness and recruitment for the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP). According to the Centers for Disease Control, 25 percent of the adults in Pennsylvania have a disability and 43 percent have obesity and are at risk for diabetes.

“In aligning our mission of Making Communities Healthier with the NCHPAD’s mission of Building Healthy Inclusive Communities, we are empowering people with disabilities right here in our region with the tools they need to make healthy lifestyle changes,” said Barbara Duryea, manager of the Conemaugh Diabetes Institute.

The grant will help to identify and provide support to people with disabilities who are at high risk for diabetes. Program modifications will include a wheelchair-accessible scale, wheelchair accessible exercise equipment and supplies, and marketing tools and outreach to promote inclusivity. The program will also solicit feedback and suggestions from people with disabilities to continue improving access.

The NDPP offers an evidence-based, year-long lifestyle intervention program taught virtually or in-person by diabetes educators and lifestyle coaches to those who are high risk. Diabetes risk factors are based on age, weight, level of physical activity, family history of type 2 diabetes, and history of diabetes during pregnancy.

NCHPAD is a public health practice and resource center on health promotion for people with disability. NCHPAD seeks to help people with disability and other chronic health conditions achieve health benefits through increased participation in all types of physical and social activities, including fitness and aquatic activities, recreational and sports programs, and adaptive equipment usage.

For additional information, visit Conemaugh.org.