Community Health Collaborative Focuses on Improving Healthy Behaviors

November 7, 2017 | Community News, Community News and Media

November is American Diabetes Month. According to Healthline.com, more than 1.4 million cases of diabetes are being diagnosed annually and about 95% of those cases are type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association reports that more than 12% of the New Jersey population is diabetic and a 2012 Community Health Assessment reported that nearly 10% of Mercer County residents have been diagnosed with diabetes.

While still less common than adults, the number of children currently being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is increasing nationwide due to poor eating habits and obesity. 

The Community Health Collaborative (CHC) is a program created by Novo Nordisk to improve healthy behaviors in children grades 2-4 in selected Trenton schools by expanding opportunities to access healthy food and increase physical activity.

“Since its founding in 2015, the Community Health Collaborative has made important progress in enhancing the culture of health around young people in Trenton,” stated Genevieve Jean-Bart Fadayomi, Associate Director, US Corporate Giving and Social Impact. “Our goal is to lessen their chance of type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases.”

“It’s important to highlight the benefits of healthy, active living for our younger students so they can create healthy habits early,” said Marissa Davis, project director of New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids – Trenton.

New Jersey YMCA State Alliance serves as the backbone organization for the Community Health Collaborative. Additional community partners involved in the program include: the George Street Playhouse, Trenton YMCA, The Food Trust, Isles, GoNoodle, TCNJ, Trenton Health Team, Boys and Girls Club of Mercer County, and Wellness in the Schools to improve the overall culture of health for families in Trenton, NJ.

 

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