YMCA of Delaware and the American Diabetes Association Announce New Community Health Hub
Wilmington, Delaware – The Obesity Association™, a division of the American Diabetes Association®, and the YMCA of Delaware have launched a new partnership to expand access to obesity care across Delaware, with a focus on New Castle and Sussex counties. The collaboration was officially kicked off during a press conference held on Friday, February 13, at the Central YMCA.
At the center of this effort is the new YMCA Wellness Exchange at the Central YMCA—a welcoming community hub designed to increase awareness of obesity as a chronic disease and make it easier for individuals and families to access the education, resources, and support they need.
Developed in partnership with the Rose Hill Community Center and the Rural Innovation Hub (SCHC), the YMCA Wellness Exchange serves as a centralized resource for obesity and chronic disease education, including type 2 diabetes. It also offers referrals for obesity-related medical care and support services that address social determinants of health. By bringing these trusted community partners together, the Wellness Exchange helps individuals navigate connected health systems with greater confidence and clarity.
“This partnership represents a powerful step forward in ensuring Delaware residents have access to critical resources to live healthier lives,” said Amy Desmond, Community Health Executive Director at the YMCA of Delaware. “By bringing together trusted community partners through this new hub, we are expanding access to obesity care, education, and prevention services in a way that is welcoming, inclusive, and rooted in community. At the Y, we believe health should be accessible to all, and this collaboration helps turn that belief into action.”
The YMCA Wellness Exchange, open to YMCA members and non-members, will officially open on Monday, March 2nd with the following hours: Monday and Wednesday 4 pm – 7 pm; Tuesday and Thursday 10 am – 1 pm; and Saturday 9 am – 12 pm. A YMCA employee will be available to welcome visitors, listen to their needs, and help them navigate the hub’s resources. They will be connected to education, programs, and referrals to other community partners that can help them along their journey to wellness. To access the hub, community members can schedule in-person, virtual, or phone appointments or simply drop in during hub hours. A photo ID will be required to enter the building.
The Central YMCA invites the community to stop by on Monday, February 16, to meet the team and learn more at the Community Vendor Fair from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Why This Matters
According to the American Diabetes Association, nationwide, more than two in five adults are living with obesity. In Delaware, almost 35% of adults are living with obesity, a chronic disease linked to 200 other medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes.
Supported by Novo Nordisk and Lilly, the community hub is part of ongoing efforts to improve obesity care by increasing access to services and simplifying connections to provide holistic care for obesity and its complications.
“Moving the Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity into standards of practice is core to the work of the Obesity Association. We’re pleased to work with the YMCA to raise awareness of this chronic disease, help provide them with accurate information, and make it easier for people to get the care they need,” said Dr. Samar Hafida, vice president of the Obesity Association.
To learn more about the community hub and services available, visit the Wellness Exchange page.
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.
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