The Boothbay Region YMCA, Central Lincoln County YMCA and LincolnHealth are strategically partnering to provide the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program to Lincoln County residents. More than 50 people attended a kick-off event at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens on Tuesday evening, Oct. 12, to learn more about the program and celebrate the collaborative efforts of the three organizations.

The partnership will bring the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program to the community beginning in January 2017. The evidence-based program helps adults at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes reduce their risk through healthy eating and increased physical activity.

Research by the National Institutes of Health has proven that programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce the number of cases of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent, and 71 percent in adults over the age of 60.

In his opening comments at the kick-off event, Dennis Anderson, board chair of the Central Lincoln County YMCA, said that this partnership is a manifestation of strategic plan alignment across the Boothbay Region YMCA, Central Lincoln County YMCA, and LincolnHealth. By working together, the organizations will not duplicate services but instead expand their collective reach.

Jim Donovan, CEO of LincolnHealth, echoed Anderson’s words, saying, “LincolnHealth is in this partnership for the long-term.”

Presenters at the kick-off included Dr. Timothy Goltz of Lincoln Medical Partners, Timothy McNeill and Marc Rosen of the YMCA of the USA, and the local program team, consisting of Kelly Holbrook (LincolnHealth), Casey Clark Kelley (Central Lincoln County and Boothbay Region YMCAs) and Lisa Van Dyk (Boothbay Region YMCA).

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that more than one in three Americans (86 million people) have prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Only 10 percent of those with prediabetes know they have it but with awareness and simple actions, people with prediabetes may prevent the onset of diabetes.

To learn more about the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, or to find out if you are eligible to participate, contact Casey Clark Kelly at cclarkelley@clcymca.org or 207-350-7026. The Y is building an interest list to start classes in January 2017 with options available for location (within Boothbay and Damariscotta areas) and time (day or evening) based upon participant availability.