DONOR FOCUS Fall 2014 Newsletter from the Rye YMCA MAKING CONNECTIONS FOR A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY “[The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program] has the potential to reach enough people to make a significant difference in America’s diabetes epidemic.” “At a YMCA Near You, a Course for a Diabetic Nation” In early July, The New York Times highlighted the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program in its “Fixes” column. A regular feature of the Times’ online Opinionater blog, Fixes “looks at solutions to social problems and why they work.” The author, Pulitzer Prize winning writer Tina Rosenberg, visited one of our YMCA DPP classes at Open Door Family Medical Centers in Port Chester, speaking with program participants and Open Door patient advocate Rolando Alvarez. The Rye Y launched the YMCA’s DPP in July 2011. Since then, 72 individuals have enrolled in the program, many of them finding it “lifechanging.” To read the full article, search The New York Times YMCA online or contact Sally Wright at sally@ryeymca.org or 9676363, ext.202 for a copy.
If there’s one thing Dalys Bayne has learned in her role as a Rye Y Community Health Worker, it’s that making connections takes time and persistence. Phone calls and e-mails don’t work; community outreach takes showing up—at church services, food pantry lines, senior center luncheons and ESL classes. And that’s exactly what Dalys has been doing over the past six months. Born in Panama City, Panama, Dalys was raised in a bilingual household where her parents spoke both English and Spanish. Although she took high school courses to become a bilingual secretary, she looked north for better opportunities. In 1978, Dalys immigrated to the United States, settling on Long Island where she eventually found a satisfying career in community outreach for a healthcare organization.
Cont. on page 3
HEALTH FAIR PROVIDES SCREENINGS, EXHIBITS AND FUN True to its mission, Healthier Mamaroneck--a Y-led committee of the Mamaroneck Cares Coalition--held a fun and educational day of health awareness on Saturday, June 14. An estimated 200 residents of Mamaroneck and other Sound Shore communities attended the Access to Care Fair, which was held at Mamaroneck Avenue School and organized by the Rye Y, the Hispanic Resource Center and several other community partners. Adults took advantage of health screenings and informational exhibits while children enjoyed dancing, games and healthy snacks. By mid-afternoon when the fair ended, 393 screenings had been conducted in the school’s multi-purpose room, in mobile clinics in the parking lot, and in more private hallways. Dental screenings were the most popular stop on the circuit, followed by a paper and pencil test for pre-diabetes and blood pressure testing. People who were found to have health concerns or risks were referred for follow-up care. Laura Tiedge, the Rye Y’s Senior Director of Healthy Living and chairperson of Healthier Mamaroneck, remarked “We wanted to give people the opportunity to look at their health in a holistic way, and to learn about the many services that exist in their community. We hope that we’ve inspired people to take control of their health and to seek out whatever care they and their families need.”
The RYE YMCA is a family oriented community service organization which welcomes all people and promotes positive values through programs that build spirit, mind and body. Questions, concerns, or ideas for future articles? Please contact Sally Wright, Development Director at (914) 967-6363 x 202.