Northwell Health has been designated an Umbrella Hub Organization (UHO) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) after four years of collaboration with community partners. This recognition positions Northwell to significantly expand access to diabetes prevention services and secure reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurance payers in New York, ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of this public health initiative.
Program Development and Community Network
Dr. Stephanie Fitzpatrick, professor in the Institute of Health System Science at Northwell’s Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, and her team developed the Northwell NDPP Community Network, which brings together community-based organizations within Northwell’s service areas to deliver a lifestyle change program proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals. The network currently includes the YMCA of Long Island, Inc., Carter Burden Network in East Harlem, and Greater Springfield Community Church in Jamaica, Queens. From 2024-2025, these partner organizations successfully delivered the 12-month, group-based program to 52 community members across the three sites.
Documented Results and Impact
Participants in the program achieved substantial health outcomes. Many achieved an average weight loss of up to 7.45 lbs (4.13 percent from baseline weight), with a notable percentage reaching the critical 5 percent or more weight loss target. The program fostered significant increases in physical activity, with 100 percent of participants in two cohorts reporting 150 minutes or more of weekly physical activity. Post-program surveys revealed high participant satisfaction, with participants rating program quality and lifestyle coaches at 4.9/5 and 5/5 stars respectively.
Expansion and Sustainability
The UHO designation with Preliminary Recognition Status makes the Northwell NDPP Community Network eligible for reimbursement through Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurance payers, enabling expansion to reach more individuals in at-risk communities and further reduce type 2 diabetes incidence across New York.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.timesargus.com/news/business/with-cdc-support-northwell-to-expand-diabetes-prevention-services/article_35bb27d0-8b47-5a47-ba8e-d87a728d39ca.html