Summit Endowment renews grant to continue the Growing Stronger Program

IHA’s Growing Stronger Program has received renewed funding through a grant from Summit Endowment.

The Summit Endowment addresses the area’s health needs by supporting the development of programs and activities of non-profit organizations that will measurably improve the health of our neighbors.

Grant funding is based on two critical areas of need, diabetes prevention and management and increasing physical activity, which were identified in a 2008 community health needs assesment.

In addition, the Summit Endowment strives to better understand and address the social determinants of health and the distinct needs of vulnerable populations; supporting health initiatives and improving health where people live, learn, work and play.

For more information about the Summit Endowment, please visit:

http://www.summithealth.org/about-us/summit-endowment

IHA’s Growing Stronger Health and Wellness Program provides services to the residents of Washington Square Apartments in Chambersburg, PA who are seniors aged 55 years and older who are at risk of developing diabetes and/or other chronic diseases. Approximately one-third of the residents have already been diagnosed with diabetes. Seniors with limited income are more likely to develop chronic diseases because they tend to choose inexpensive food that is high in calories and sodium, rather than the more expensive fruits, whole grains and fresh vegetables that help maintain good health. Also, because money is scarce, they tend to test their glucose levels less frequently than necessary to cut costs.

IHA’s Growing Stronger program addresses the Healthy People 2020 objective to reduce the disease and economic burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) and improve the quality of life for all persons who have, or are at risk for diabetes. IHA’s program encourages at least daily glucose monitoring for residents diagnosed with diabetes, provides education classes and support group meetings to learn how to manage and/or prevent diabetes, and teaches safe, age-appropriate exercises and how to make healthy food choices.