Promoting Worksite Wellness by Use of Point-of-Decision Prompts in Community-Based Organizations in Northwest Detroit, Michigan

Background: Diabetes affects 1.65 million Michigan residents and in NW Detroit, where 82.7% of the population is African American, 14% of the residents have diabetes. The breeding ground for diabetes is obesity, physical inactivity and poor dietary choices. In NW Detroit, 38% of adults are obese, over half of the residents do not get adequate physical activity and nearly 80% lack a balanced fruit and vegetable diet. Methods: Worksite wellness plans were developed for three community-based organizations, ranging from 50 to 1000 total employees, in NW Detroit to impact employee health. In accordance with the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan's Strategic Plan (2011-2015), a partnership was formed with Detroit Communities Against Diabetes, a community-based coalition, to identify organizations to partner with. The wellness plans consist of point-of-decision prompts, which are motivational signs encouraging healthy eating choices and exercise. Pictures of the prompts displayed in the recommended areas of the worksite will be taken as evidence the organization is implementing the wellness plan. Results: Preliminary findings will be assessed in late September 2012 to determine the effectiveness of the prompts within each organization. Finalized results will be presented at this conference. Discussion: This presentation will (1) highlight the steps taken to establish partnerships with community worksites in Detroit, (2) outline the process by which wellness plans were introduced, and (3) the current state of success or failure of these plans. Funding provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Program to Eliminate Diabetes-Related Health Disparities in Vulnerable Populations.