NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Health & Human Services (NOHHS) is now enrolling residents in three new cohorts of the City’s free Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a 12-month lifestyle-change program designed to help adults at high risk for type 2 diabetes take steps to prevent or delay the disease.
The evidence-based program is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Diabetes Prevention Program and provides participants with practical tools, coaching, and support to improve nutrition, increase physical activity, manage stress, and build healthier habits that can last. Three new cohorts will be offered in New Orleans East, Central City, and Algiers, making the program more accessible to residents in neighborhoods across the city.
Enrollment Locations
New Orleans East
Joe Brown Recreation Center 5601 Read Blvd.
First session: October 19 at noon
Availability: Five slots remaining
Central City
HCH Conference Room, Edna Pilsbury Health Center 2222 Simon Bolivar Ave.
Start date: Classes will begin once at least 10 participants are enrolled. Date to be announced.
Algiers
Morris Jeff Recreation Center (formerly Behrman Park) 2529 General Meyer Ave.
Start date: Classes will begin once at least 10 participants are enrolled. Date to be announced.
This 12-month program includes 22 in-person sessions led by certified Lifestyle Coaches. Participants learn how to make realistic, sustainable changes related to:
- Healthy eating and nutrition
- Physical activity
- Weight management
- Stress management
- Building healthy habits
- Maintaining lifestyle changes over time
Sessions begin weekly, transition to every other week, and conclude with monthly sessions.
Who Should Participate?
The program is designed for adults who are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, including people who:
- Have been told they have prediabetes
- Have an A1C between 5.7% and 6.4%
- Have other risk factors for type 2 diabetes
- Want support making sustainable changes to their health and lifestyle
Prediabetes often has no obvious symptoms, and many people may not know they have it. Identifying risk early gives people an opportunity to take action before type 2 diabetes develops.
It is estimated that in New Orleans, there are 144,862 adults who have prediabetes and are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and over 80% don’t know it.
“Preventing type 2 diabetes starts with giving people the information, support, and resources they need to take action early, ” said Lacie Tillman, PhD, Chronic Disease Program Manager. “By bringing this program into neighborhoods across New Orleans, we are making it easier for residents to access that support close to home.”
How to Enroll
Residents interested in participating can:
- Complete the online interest form at www.nola.gov/DPP
- Contact Dr. Yolanda Cavalier (504) 658-8916
- Visit New Orleans Health & Human Services on the 8th floor of City Hall
Space is limited, and residents are encouraged to register early.