Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Grant

Geographic Scope: Kitsap County and Pierce County, Washington

Focus Areas:

• Evidence-based chronic disease management programs
• Diabetes Prevention Program (Prevent T2)
• Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring
• Enhance®Fitness programs
• Health outcomes improvement for individuals with chronic diseases

Program Expansion:
Grant provides funding to expand:

• Diabetes Prevention Program Prevent T2: Total 31 enrolled, 3.65 BMI decrease
• Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring: Offered through Marvin Williams Recreation Center (Kitsap County) and Mercy Housing (Pierce County); 113 enrolled, 9.8% systolic and 5.7% diastolic decrease
• Enhance®Fitness: 316 enrolled, 5.4% increase in arm curl reps, 75% increase in stair confidence, 33.3% pain decrease, 25% loneliness decrease

Additional Programs Supported:

• Y Weight Loss Program: 228 enrolled, 1.8% BMI decrease, 18.2% confidence increase
• LIVESTRONG at the Y: 60 enrolled, 11.5% walking distance increase, 32.4% leg press increase
• Parkinson's Programming (Rock Steady Boxing, Pedaling for Parkinson's): 66 enrolled
• ACT! Childhood Healthy Living Program: 20 referred youth, 67 total served

Financial Assistance:
As of 2025, 53% of participants in ACT!, Prevent T2, and Weight Loss Program receive YMCA financial assistance to ensure access to life-changing programs.

Evidence-Based Impact:
Programs have demonstrated effectiveness in improving health outcomes for participants with chronic diseases.