Catalyst program aims to address type 2 diabetes in Kentucky

UnitedHealthcare Catalyst ™, a program that uses data to tackle the highest-priority health challenges in local communities, has launched in Owensboro, Kentucky with a focus on type 2 diabetes. Together with Audubon Area Community Care Clinic and Girls Inc., the program aims to improve health outcomes in the community by promoting healthy habits and managing prediabetes and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.

According to America’s Health Rankings, 14.8% of adults in Kentucky have diabetes which ranks it 45th in the nation.¹ In the Audubon area service scope, 16% of the adult population has diabetes compared to the national average of 11.5%.

Samantha Taylor-Kaai, Clinic Program Director for Audubon Area Community Care Clinic, commented, “The impact of diabetes on the population we serve is huge. Many of our patients are navigating other challenges that make access to resources extremely difficult. Working together with UnitedHealthcare and Girls Inc., we aim to promote positive changes in our patients and help them meet their overall health goals.”

Audubon Area Community Care Clinic is the largest community action agency in Kentucky and provides primary medical care and behavioral health services to patients in the greater Owensboro area.² Girls Inc. is a youth development organization that equips girls to navigate gender, economic and social barriers through research-based, informal education programs.³

The programming at these organizations will include the following:

• Patients at Audubon Area Community Care Clinic who are diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes will be eligible to participate in the UnitedHealthcare Catalyst program. Those who enroll are assigned an accredited community health worker as a case manager. Enrollees receive personalized nutrition education, eye exams to test for diabetic retinopathy and healthy food baskets upon completion of the program.
• Girls Inc. will simultaneously launch several lifestyle educational programs for girls aged 8 to 12. The programs will include education on balanced nutrition and healthy snacks, workshops with guest speakers and guidance to track physical activity and progress over time. 

“There are so many children in Owensboro and Daviess County who are at risk of developing diabetes and other health conditions,” said Tish Correa Osborne, chief executive officer of Girls Inc. “We are grateful to be in a position to help make a meaningful impact in our community by showing our children the connection between nutrition and physical activity with health and well-being.”

Research shows that screenings can lead to earlier detection, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.⁴ Further studies show that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes including weight loss and increasing physical activity.⁵ Through an evidence-based approach, the Catalyst program is working to reduce the rates of diabetes and obesity in the greater Owensboro area by program completion in 2025.

“UnitedHealthcare is committed to supporting communities across the Commonwealth with resources to better manage their health,” said Krista Hensel, chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kentucky. “Each community has its own needs, and we believe this collaboration with Audubon Area Community Care Clinic and Girls Inc. will help multiple generations improve their health by preventing or controlling diabetes.”