Birmingham Launches First In-Person Health Program Addressing Diabetes Epidemic
Birmingham, a city known for its resilience and community spirit, is taking an innovative approach to fight its high diabetes rates. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, a nationwide health care provider, Virta Health, is conducting an in-person pilot program aimed at improving health among employees of local businesses. This program is in collaboration with three significant local institutions: Regions Bank, BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Why Birmingham?
Virta Health, which focuses on providing nutritional coaching to individuals suffering from diabetes and obesity, has decided that Birmingham is the ideal city to test its in-person service model. Kevin Kumler, the president of Virta, explained that the choice stems from Alabama’s reputation, being one of the top five states with the highest diabetes rates in the country. “Birmingham is an incredibly resilient city, with the resources and the grit to fight back against this epidemic,” Kumler stated. He believes Birmingham is equipped to lead the way in tackling health equity issues, stating, “If any city is well-equipped to spearhead an uphill health equity battle and buck the trends plaguing our country’s metabolic health, why not Birmingham?”
Program Details
This initiative is more than just offering health coaching. The in-person pilot includes community events designed to educate people about best health practices and partnerships with local restaurants. These restaurants, which include Blueroot, Taco Mama, Chop ‘N Fresh, Taziki’s, and Martin’s BBQ, are working with Virta to mark “Virta-friendly” meals on their menus, making it easier for community members to make healthier choices.
Impact on Employers and Employees
With the recent rise in popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic—drugs that have become increasingly expensive—many employers are feeling the financial pinch when it comes to providing comprehensive health care packages. Kumler highlighted the challenge, mentioning that North Carolina recently spent over $100 million on weight-loss medications for employees, which exceeded the total expenditure for all cancer treatments combined. “Improving employee health can be achieved without the cost and side effects of these drugs,” he asserted, stressing that diseases related to metabolic health primarily affect lower-income communities and people of color.
Success Stories
The initial results from employees at Regions Bank provide a promising glimpse of what this program could achieve. Employees who have already utilized Virta’s online services collectively shed over 10,000 pounds, with 4,000 of those pounds lost by employees in Alabama. “By being virtual, we can reach them wherever they are,” Kumler added. “It’s not just the person you’re helping; it’s the spill over into their families and friends and colleagues.”
A Local Unified Front
This pilot program represents a unified effort between local businesses, health care providers, and community organizations to address a pressing health crisis. While the focus is on diabetes, the broader goal is to enhance overall well-being in a community that has shown time and again that it can rise to challenges.
Conclusion
The implementation of this in-person health initiative in Birmingham could serve as a vital stepping stone toward combating the diabetes epidemic faced by many across Alabama and beyond. Through collaboration and innovation, Birmingham is not only aiming for improved health outcomes but is setting an example of hope for other communities grappling with similar issues.
