Signature Health Program Uses Basketball to Address Asthma and Childhood Obesity
What:
The YMCA of Delaware and AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware, will host a special health education program at the Walnut Street YMCA to inform and educate elementary and middle school students about asthma and strategies to manage respiratory illness. The students – mostly from Wilmington’s most vulnerable communities – will participate in basketball drills and other fun activities while attending health workshops on asthma and nutrition.
Launched in 2002, Healthy Hoops® is a community-based chronic disease intervention program that combines hands-on asthma education and health screenings with basketball clinics led by experienced coaches. The program empowers families and communities with resources and information to help reduce the prevalence of asthma, especially in underserved communities with poor air quality.
Why:
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the burden of asthma in the United States falls disproportionately on Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native people. These groups have the highest asthma rates, deaths, and hospitalizations.
The number of asthma hospitalizations and the number of asthma deaths among Delaware’s Black population is disproportionately high, indicating a need for improvements in education and health care for the Black population with asthma.
Deaths due to asthma occur at the highest rate among Black Americans. Black individuals are about three times more likely to die from asthma than Hispanic or white individuals.
When:
Thursday, April 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where:
Walnut Street YMCA
1000 N. Walnut Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
Who:
Anesha Law
Community Executive Director, Walnut St. YMCA
Rapping About Prevention
Healthy Hoops Health Educators
About the YMCA of Delaware
The YMCA of Delaware is Delaware’s largest nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth, fostering healthy living, and promoting strong communities. With seven branches statewide, a youth resource center, and an overnight camp and conference center in Worton, Maryland, the Y has developed longstanding relationships and a physical presence in Delaware so it can deliver lasting personal and social change. We are committed to serving everyone – regardless of age, income or background –nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving Delaware’s health and wellbeing, and creating a healthy, inclusive community where all people reach their full potential. www.ymcade.org.
About AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware
AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware, part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, is one of the Medicaid managed care plans that participate in the Diamond State Health Plan and Diamond State Health Plan-Plus programs. AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware helps Delawareans get proper care and stay well, working with communities in need to achieve positive health outcomes throughout the state. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritasde.com.
About AmeriHealth Caritas
AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation’s leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. Operating in 13 states and the District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas serves approximately 5 million Medicaid, Medicare, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Health Insurance Marketplace® members through its integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management and specialty pharmacy services, and behavioral health services. Headquartered in Philadelphia, AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven organization with nearly 40 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.
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