The Y receives VMFH Community Health Improvement Grant
The Y was awarded the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Grant, which provides $89,000 to expand our Diabetes Prevention Program Prevent T2, Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring, and Enhance®Fitness programs. The Kitsap Sun wrote about the grant and the Y's evidence-based programming, which helps individuals with chronic diseases.
These programs have been shown to effectively improve health outcomes for participants. So far in 2025, 53% of participants in ACT!, Prevent T2, and Weight Loss Program receive financial assistance from the YMCA to ensure they can access these life-changing programs.
Continue reading to learn more about how many people are served by these programs and how their health has improved.
Diabetes Prevention Program
Total Enrolled: 31
Health Outcomes: 3.65 decrease in BMI
Y Weight Loss Program
Total Enrolled: 228
Health Outcomes: 1.8% decrease in BMI, 18.2% increase in confidence to make and achieve health goals
Enhance®Fitness
Total Enrolled: 316
Health Outcomes: 5.4% increase in right arm curl reps, 75% increase in confidence to climb up/go down stairs, 33.3% decrease level of pain, 25% decrease in feelings of loneliness
LIVESTRONG at the Y
Total Enrolled: 60
Health Outcomes: 11.5% increase in distance of 6-minute walking test, 32.4% increase in leg press max
Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring
Program offered through our partners at the Marvin Williams Recreation Center in Kitsap County and Mercy Housing in Pierce County.
Total Enrolled: 113
Health Outcomes: 9.8% decrease in systolic blood pressure and 5.7% decrease in diastolic blood pressure
Parkinson's Programming
The Y's Parkinson's programming includes Rock Steady Boxing and Pedaling for Parkinsons.
Total Enrolled: 66
ACT! Program
Total Enrolled: 20 (referred kids)
Total Served: 67 (youth and adults)