UnitedHealthcare Catalyst, a program that uses data to tackle the highest-priority health challenges in local communities, has launched in Owensboro with a focus on type 2 diabetes. Together with Audubon Area Community Care Clinic and Girls Inc., the program aims to improve health outcomes in the community by promoting healthy habits and managing individuals with prediabetes and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.
“UnitedHealthcare is committed to supporting communities across the Commonwealth with resources to better manage their health,” said Krista Hensel, chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kentucky. “Each community has its own needs, and we believe this collaboration with Audubon Area Community Care Clinic and Girls Inc. will help multiple generations improve their health by preventing or controlling diabetes.”
According to a release, details of the program are as follows:
- Patients at Audubon Area Community Care Clinic diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes will be eligible to enter the UnitedHealthcare Catalyst program, regardless of their insurance carrier. Those who enroll will be assigned an accredited community health worker as a case manager, receive personalized nutrition education, have eye exams as needed for diabetic retinopathy, and be offered programming for health-related social needs support such as nutritious food.
- Girls Inc. will launch lifestyle educational programs tailored to individuals between the ages of 8 and 12. Programs will include educational materials on balanced nutrition and healthy snacks, workshops with guest speakers, and guidance to help participants track physical activity and progress over time.
Samantha Taylor-Kaai, clinic program director for Audubon Area Community Care Clinic, said the impact of diabetes on the population they serve as a community health center is “huge.”
“Many of our patients are battling other social determinants of health that make accessibility to diabetic needs extremely difficult,” she said. “By working together with UnitedHealthcare and Girls Inc., we aim to promote positive changes in our patients and transform their lives to help them meet their overall health goals.”
According to the release, 16% of the adult population in the Audubon area has diabetes, which is 5 and 7 percentage points higher than the county and national averages, respectively.
“While diabetes is a chronic condition, proper nutrition and management can help avoid disease progression, reduce unnecessary medical visits, and improve quality of life,” Hensel said. “Additionally, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a healthy diet can help people with prediabetes prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems.”
Tish Correa Osborne, chief executive officer of Girls Inc., said there are many children in Owensboro and Daviess County who are at risk of developing diabetes and other health conditions
“We are grateful to be in a position to help make a meaningful impact in our community by showing our children the connection between nutrition and physical activity with health and wellbeing,” she said.
UnitedHealthcare Catalyst has created over 25 community-based programs across the country, collaborating with more than 100 community-level partners. These include public housing agencies, federally qualified health centers, faith-based organizations, academic institutions, community-based organizations, and more.
Audubon Area Community Care Clinic is a 330 and 330(h) HRSA-funded entity that provides primary medical care and behavioral health services to patients in the greater Owensboro area who are homeless, transiently housed, uninsured, underinsured, and fall below the poverty line standards set by the federal government. The clinic provides various services for clients ages 2+ years old.
Girls Inc. is a youth development organization that inspires all girls to be “strong, smart, and bold.” They also serve as advocates with and for girls to increase opportunities for all girls.
