Hispanic Federation Collaborates with HabitNu to Address Type 2 Diabetes in Latino Communities

In an impactful partnership, the Hispanic Federation, a national nonprofit organization that supports Latino communities, has joined forces with HabitNu to introduce the CDC-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) in areas heavily affected by type 2 diabetes. This initiative aims to combat the surge of diabetes that has disproportionately impacted Hispanic populations. Starting with three key locations: the Latin American Association in Atlanta, AVANCE Dallas in Dallas, and BOUNCE Healthy Lifestyle Programs at the University of Houston, this program promises tailored and culturally relevant services led by trained lifestyle coaches.

The funding for this important initiative comes from Component C of the CDC's RFA-DP-23-0020 grant, which is designed to enhance and sustain the expansion of the National Diabetes Prevention Program. HabitNu, awarded this grant in 2023, is expected to facilitate multisectoral partnerships between DPP delivery partners, referral sources, providers of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), and payers. The goal is to dismantle systemic barriers to healthcare and improve health outcomes for communities that are most affected by diabetes and other chronic health conditions.

The Hispanic Federation’s mission and its extensive network of over 750 member and partner organizations significantly empower its capacity to engage effectively with underserved populations. By leveraging HabitNu's innovative diabetes prevention platform, the Federation seeks to provide essential resources and support to Latino communities in need, utilizing advanced technology to foster long-term health improvements.

"Hispanic Federation's mission to empower Latino communities aligns perfectly with HabitNu's goal to make preventive care accessible to everyone, especially those in underserved areas," remarked Sindhu Rajan, CEO of HabitNu. This collaboration aims not only to enhance health and wellness among Hispanic families but also to provide personalized activity tracking and flexible delivery methods that cater to the specific cultural needs of these communities.

Moreover, the program incorporates comprehensive outreach initiatives designed to meet the unique needs of the Latino community, empowering participants to take charge of their health and well-being. Bethsy Morales-Reid, Vice President for Program Strategy and Impact at the Hispanic Federation, stated, "Tackling type 2 diabetes is essential to our mission of advancing health and opportunity for all Latinos. With HabitNu's innovative CDC-recognized health and wellness solutions, we are bringing much-needed diabetes prevention resources to our communities."

As a recognized umbrella hub for Medicare and Medicaid, HabitNu advances connections between hospital systems, employers, payers, and community organizations throughout the nation. Their online and in-person DPP offerings aim to address chronic conditions, including prediabetes and diabetes, ultimately fostering improved health across various populations.

The combination of the Hispanic Federation's outreach efforts and HabitNu's cutting-edge platform represents a powerful approach to reducing the impact of type 2 diabetes in Latino populations. As the program unfolds in its key locations, it is anticipated to create significant, lasting effects on health outcomes for these communities, empowering them to lead healthier lives through informed prevention strategies and personalized support.

In conclusion, this partnership marks a significant step towards addressing health disparities faced by Hispanic communities, and it showcases the potential of collaborative efforts in tackling public health challenges. Through sustained commitment and innovative approaches, the Hispanic Federation and HabitNu are poised to make meaningful contributions to the health and wellness of Latino families across the United States.