Evidence-Based Health Promotion Programs

12 Weeks • 24 Sessions • Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00–7:30 PM

Our flagship chronic disease prevention series is a 12-week, evidence-based curriculum developed in partnership with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. Participants learn practical skills in cardiovascular risk reduction, blood pressure management, cholesterol-conscious eating, physical activity integration, portion control, label reading, and stress management. Each session includes a 30-minute educational module, a 20-minute guided group activity, and a 10-minute personal goal-setting workshop. Biometric assessments (blood pressure, glucose, BMI, waist circumference) are conducted at weeks 1, 6, and 12 to measure progress. Program completers have demonstrated a 23% improvement in cardiometabolic risk profiles at 6-month follow-up. Available at 12 community sites across Minneapolis including community centers, faith-based organizations, and public housing facilities. Childcare is provided at all locations. Materials available in English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Karen, and Oromo.

Eligibility: Adults 18+ residing in Hennepin County. No insurance or referral required.

12 Months • 22 Sessions • Wednesdays, 5:30–7:00 PM

This CDC-recognized lifestyle change program is designed for adults at high risk for type 2 diabetes, as determined by a prediabetes diagnosis (A1C 5.7–6.4%), BMI of 25 or higher, or a history of gestational diabetes. The curriculum includes 16 weekly core sessions followed by 6 monthly maintenance sessions. Topics include goal-setting for weight loss (5–7% of body weight), increasing physical activity to 150 minutes per week, managing emotional eating triggers, navigating social situations, and sustaining long-term behavior change. Our trained lifestyle coaches hold National DPP Lifestyle Coach certification. The landmark Diabetes Prevention Program clinical trial demonstrated that participants who achieved these lifestyle targets reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% compared to the control group, and by 71% among adults aged 60 and older. Cost is $75 for the full 12-month program, with sliding-scale subsidies available. Most Medicare Part B and Medicaid plans cover enrollment at no out-of-pocket cost.

Cost: $75 (sliding scale available) • Medicare/Medicaid accepted

6 Weeks • 6 Sessions • Saturdays, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

This hands-on workshop series builds practical food literacy through interactive cooking demonstrations, grocery store field trips, label reading exercises, meal planning templates, and budget-conscious nutrition strategies. Participants learn to prepare culturally familiar meals with healthier ingredient substitutions. Each session includes a take-home recipe kit with fresh ingredients sourced from local food shelves and farmers markets. Topics include understanding macronutrients and micronutrients, sodium reduction strategies, healthy cooking methods, food safety basics, navigating the SNAP and WIC programs, and utilizing community food resources including food shelves, mobile markets, and community gardens. The $40 fee covers all materials and ingredients for six sessions. Full scholarships available for participants below 200% FPL.

Ongoing Monthly • 12 Sessions/Month • Multiple Locations

An accessible, ongoing fitness program offering 12 guided group sessions per month across four community locations in Minneapolis. Sessions include walking groups, chair-based exercise for older adults and those with mobility limitations, yoga, strength training fundamentals, and culturally specific movement practices. All sessions are led by certified fitness instructors with training in adaptive exercise and chronic disease management. The program is designed for all fitness levels, from complete beginners to active adults seeking structured group accountability. Monthly enrollment includes access to all session types at all locations. The $25 monthly fee supports instructor compensation and equipment maintenance. Fee waivers available.

Monthly Events • 2–3 Hours • Rotating Community Sites

Free monthly screening events open to all community members regardless of insurance status. Services include blood pressure measurement, random blood glucose testing, total cholesterol panel, body mass index and waist circumference assessment, vision screening, hearing screening, and depression screening (PHQ-9). All screenings are conducted by licensed registered nurses and trained community health workers. Participants with abnormal results receive same-day referral coordination to partner clinics including Hennepin Healthcare, NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center, and Community University Health Care Center. No appointment necessary. Interpretation services available in 18 languages.

Ongoing • By Appointment or Walk-In • Hennepin Ave Office

Our certified community health workers and patient navigators help community members overcome barriers to healthcare access. Services include health insurance enrollment assistance (MNsure, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare), appointment scheduling and follow-up coordination, medication management support, transportation arrangement through Metro Mobility and volunteer driver networks, interpretation and translation services, and social determinants of health assessments connecting participants with housing, food, employment, and legal resources. Available in-office, by phone, or through home visits for individuals with mobility or transportation barriers.