By Patrick Baron
NORMAL – Two health care groups in the Twin Cities are touting the success of a new program that aims to improve overall health for people with disabilities.
The McLean County Health Department and Advocate BroMenn Health and Fitness have initiated a partnership to help people with disabilities decrease poor health habits and make positive life changes. Laura Beavers with the County Health Department explained since people with disabilities experience poor health outcomes two-to-three times more than people without disabilities, the department wanted to decrease those odds.
“We wanted to pilot an integrated, holistic health care system for individuals with disabilities – not only designed to reduce health care costs but improved overall health and wellness as a whole,” said Beavers.
Katherine Porter with BroMenn Health and Fitness said they were approached by the County Health Department one year ago to create a comprehensive and sustainable wellness program. She explains BroMenn was able to put together what she calls “the perfect mix of services.”
“There’s a little bit of stress management techniques, we have a registered dietician that’s going to provide some nutrition services, and then of course the physical component of it with exercise,” Porter said.
Porter also explained people with disabilities experience more intense chronic conditions and die 25 years earlier than the general population.
The program currently serves 40 individuals in the county.
Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].
