The YMCA is committed to helping alleviate health disparities affecting our communities from economically disadvantaged children to aging adults across all ethnic and racial groups. YMCA Health Access 360 is our effort to address this incredible issue.
Vulnerable populations are suffering disproportionately from preventable chronic diseases. Thousands of ethnic/minority groups, seniors and lower income families from all cultures can live healthier lives through active participation in YMCA Health Access 360. Y 360 will provide low or no cost, evidence-based services to Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county residents, empowering each individual to adopt proven lifestyle habits that minimize and eliminate chronic illness such as: obesity, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. “The Y saved my father’s life,” one member said. The member shared that the Y has been preventing chronic disease long before it was the thing to do. Your support will allow the YMCA to actively, educate, recruit and support those who need us the most in the heart of our communities.
Presently we are working to streamline our services to provide a seamless continuum of support.
Overview of Services:
- Childcare 6 weeks to 15 years old in Y Early Learning Centers, Y Learning Centers, and Afterschool enrichment programs.
- Healthy Food Access through the Y Nourish free meal distribution and nutrition education program
- Teen Services through Achievers–providing wellness, selfcare, counselling, nutrition education, and college/career readiness.
- Chronic disease prevention and intervention support through programs like LiveStrong and Blood Pressure Monitoring.
- Health Maintenance through Personal training, nutrition counseling, and fitness assessments
These services are made possible through partnerships with healthcare providers, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, metro Detroit municipalities and a host of community organizations.
Y Health Access 360 is operational now, however we are still in the planning stages as it relates to information sharing and coordinated promotions. We will be rolling Y 360 out to the community at large the first quarter of 2021. For more information contact: Lynette Simmons Vice-President of Operations: Community Initiatives at Lsimmons@ymcadetroit.org.