Public Health teams up with ADA to tackle Diabetes through education

MT. PLEASANT — In partnership with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), Henry County Public Health is bringing Project Power, a diabetes prevention and wellness initiative, to local residents. The program aims to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce the risk of diabetes through accessible and free education for both youth and adults.

“Project Power, an initiative by the American Diabetes Association, includes programs for both youth and adults,” Henry County Supervisor Greg Moeller shared in an update from Public Health at a recent Board of Supervisors meeting.

Henry County Public Health’s partnership with the ADA for this project comes at a time when diabetes prevention and education are becoming increasingly important for communities nationwide. Health experts warn that sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary choices, and limited access to health care contribute to the growing prevalence of diabetes. Programs like Project Power are essential in reversing these trends by offering accessible, practical solutions tailored to community needs.

The program focuses on educating participants about the importance of a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and managing stress — key factors in preventing Type 2 diabetes. The youth program incorporates fun, age-appropriate activities that make learning about healthy choices both engaging and actionable.

According to the update read by Moeller, Mandi McArtor with Public Health is working to secure permission from Winfield-Mt. Union and possibly Mt. Pleasant schools to deliver the six-week program to youth.

Participants in Project Power’s adult program are supported with tools to track their progress, access to ADA experts, and flexible learning modules tailored to individual lifestyles. The adult program asks participants to assess their risk factors for diabetes and then guides them through various wellness strategies. Additionally, the adult program is offered virtually by ADA staff, making it accessible to a wide audience.

“It’s 100% virtual, so you can sign up at different times,” Henry County Public Health Director Katie Reuter explained. “We also thought that would be a good opportunity for any of our county employees who wanted to better their health at no cost to us to sign up.”

Participants do not need to have diabetes to enroll, and they do not even need to be Henry County Residents to use the county’s code to sign up. Friends and family members from other locations using the county’s code, which will count toward an enrollment goal for Henry County.

According to Reuter, the program does not cost anything for Public Health or participants and could bring money in for Henry County Public Health.

“If we have 35 enrollees, then public health does get a $2,500 stipend,” Reuter explained. “The folks enrolled even don't necessarily have to finish the class.”

As a comprehensive wellness initiative developed by the ADA to combat the growing diabetes epidemic. Project Power aligns with Henry County Public Health’s broader goals of fostering community well-being and preventing chronic diseases.

According to the ADA, Project Power was created to address the alarming rise in prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes across the United States. The CDC estimates that 96 million American adults — more than 1 in 3 — have prediabetes, and most are unaware of their condition. Early intervention, like the education and tools provided by Project Power, can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes.

By focusing on prevention, the initiative aims to reduce the financial and personal toll that diabetes imposes on communities. Additionally, Project Power’s youth program helps instill healthy habits early, which research shows can significantly lower the risk of developing chronic conditions later in life.

Interested participants can find more information about the adult program visit www.diabetes.org/project-power For updates and announcements regarding the youth program’s rollout in local schools, residents are encouraged to follow Henry County Public Health’s Facebook page. As Reuter noted, the program offers a unique opportunity for residents and their loved ones to take proactive steps toward better health, free of charge.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com