MEDIA RELEASE

From the Office of the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Gale R. Burstein

March 20, 2014                            

CONTACT: Mary C. St. Mary/Mary.StMary@Erie.Gov

Phone: 716.858.4941/ Mobile: 716.253.3925

 Department of Health Teams Up with YMCA to Tackle Diabetes

New Diabetes Prevention Program Helps to Reduce Risk of Developing Diabetes

ERIE COUNTY, NY—As the number of Erie County residents diagnosed with diabetes continues to rise unabated, the Erie County Department of Health (“ECDOH”) is pleased to support a new initiative being offered by YMCA Buffalo Niagara.

“Our community’s diabetes prevalence is a serious public health issue” said Erie County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein. “Through this funding from the New York State Health Foundation (NYS Health), YMCA Buffalo Niagara will be able to offer the National Diabetes Prevention Program in Erie County. This program has proven to be an effective lifestyle intervention shown to help people with pre-diabetes reduce their risk of developing full-blown diabetes by 50%.”   

Over the last 30 years, new diabetes cases have more than tripled in the United States, from       493,000 in 1980 to 1.7 million in 2010.  With a focus on healthy living, the YMCA feels its Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) can play an essential role in decreasing these numbers.  The 16-week program which centers on diet, exercise, and behavior modification in pre-diabetic individuals, was launched at five locations in 2010.  Since that time more than 140 people have participated in the program. 

“The YMCA has always been at the forefront of the healthy living movement,” said Buddy Campbell, President/CEO for YMCA Buffalo Niagara. “The obesity epidemic and its related diseases have negatively impacted the health and well-being of many Western New Yorkers, but through this partnership we are able to help adults who are pre-diabetic reduce the risk of becoming diabetic and in turn help to create a healthier community.”

New sessions of the DPP program will begin in early May at local YMCA sites.  A physician referral is required to participate. Fees are covered in full for those with BlueCross BlueShield coverage.  Independent Health subscribers pay only a $5 registration fee.  You do not need to be a member of the YMCA to be eligible.

Delaware Family YMCA  Tuesday 7:00-8:00 pm, May 6 – August 19, 2014

2564 Delaware Ave.

Buffalo, NY 14216

716-875-1283

Ken-Ton Family YMCA  Saturday 9:00-10:00 am, May 10 – August 23, 2014

535 Belmont Ave.

Kenmore, NY 14223

716-874-5051

Southtowns Family YMCA Tuesday 7:00-8:00pm,May 6 – August 19, 2014

1620 Southwestern Blvd.

West Seneca, NY 14224

 716-674-9622

Independent Health Family Branch YMCA  Monday 7:00-8:00 pm, May 5 – August 25, 2014

150 Tech Drive

Amherst, NY 14221

716-839-2543

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For more information:

Erie County Department of Health –http://www2.erie.gov/health/

The National Diabetes Prevention Program -- http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/recognition/curriculum.htm

YMCA Buffalo Niagara is a not for profit organization that serves over 100,000 people annually through seven branches located throughout Western New York, YMCA Camp Weona, as well as at over 40 community based program sites.  From summer camp, preschool and school age child care to SilverSneakers®, youth sports programs and swimming lessons-there is something for everyone at the YMCA.  For more information on the DPP program at the Y visit us online at http://www.ymcabuffaloniagara.org/programs/ddp/ddp.html.