Completing the Continuum of Care by providing a Culturally Competent Center for Wellness in an Urban American Indian Community focusing on aging populations

The Community Wellness and Outreach Department (CWO), provides wellness and education services to empower clients to make lifestyle changes, often changing the course of their health and lives. Services are provided at the IHC's Wellness Center in close collaboration with IHC's Medical Department completing the continuum of care from the medical clinic to the community. The CWO department is holistic, encompassing traditional American Indian healing concepts of treating the whole person-body, heart, mind and spirit. Programs provide service to over 1000, 60+ seniors with 5000 contacts per year. 80% are underserved minority populations. Programs included at CWO include: Fitness, offering individual and group classes including tai chi for seniors, adapted yoga, Walking Spirit, and the Arthritis foundation Exercise Program. Nutrition Services include an RD/CDE providing nutrition education and cooking demonstrations. Diabetes Services include an intensive 16-week diabetes prevention program focusing on fitness, nutrition and lifestyle balance. In addition, CWO provides a diabetes orientation class, diabetes education and self -management, and case management. Health Education includes tobacco cessation, case management and referrals, health screenings for blood sugar, cholesterol and high blood pressure. Cultural Wellness Activities are provided through native dancing, beading, drumming and craft classes. Events are held such as American Indian Care Days and American Indian Family Fun Nights. Specific Elder Care Program for American Indian / Alaskan Native such as Elder's luncheon to develop and maintain social relationships and Outreach Services such as American Indian events and Transportation. CWO programs enhance the quality of life of our aging population.