Bridging Healthcare and Community
April 24, 2026How The Granite YMCA Delivers Evidence-Based Health Interventions Across NH
The Granite YMCA is a statewide nonprofit serving all 10 counties in New Hampshire. The Y is a community health partner—advancing prevention, chronic disease management, and whole-person well-being through accessible, evidence-based programs as well as fitness and youth development.
We deliver evidence-based health interventions as an extension of clinical care. We support individuals living with, or at risk for, chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, and obesity.
Our model emphasizes access, equity, and outcomes. Programs are available regardless of income or insurance status, ensuring patients can engage in care beyond the clinical setting.
What We Offer
Our portfolio includes nationally recognized, evidence-based programs:
- National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) (CDC-recognized)
- Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP)
- Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) (ADCES-accredited)
- Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring (BPSM)
- LIVESTRONG at the YMCA (cancer survivorship)
- EnhanceFitness & Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (falls prevention)
- Healthy Weight and Your Child
- Moodlifters (mental health and resilience)
Programs are delivered in small-group formats, in person and virtually, by trained lifestyle coaches and health professionals.
Why It Matters to Clinical Care
Chronic disease remains the primary driver of healthcare utilization and cost. Clinical care is essential and patients often face challenges between visits—particularly in sustaining behavior change. The Granite YMCA addresses this gap by:
- Reinforcing clinical guidance in real-world settings
- Providing structured accountability and coaching
- Supporting long-term lifestyle change
"As a physician, I see daily the challenges patients face managing chronic conditions beyond the clinical setting. Long-term health outcomes are impacted by what happens between visits—daily habits, social supports, and sustained behavior change.
The Granite YMCA is a critical partner in helping address this gap. Its evidence-based health intervention programs offer patients structured, supportive environments that positively influence health behaviors and promote better outcomes.
The YMCA's model is directly aligned with our healthcare delivery. I appreciate being able to refer patients directly into their evidence-based programs that are available in the community or virtually.
I have seen firsthand the positive effects these programs have on patients’ confidence, self-management, and overall well-being. The Granite YMCA serves not only as a community resource, but as a valuable extension of the healthcare system—supporting meaningful, sustained health improvement."
How We Partner with Providers
Clinical Integration
We partner with more than 60 healthcare organizations across New Hampshire. Referral pathways are streamlined and secure, allowing providers to connect patients efficiently to appropriate programs.
Evidence-Based Outcomes
Programs align with national standards (CDC, ADCES) and track measurable outcomes, including:
- Weight loss and reduced risk of diabetes
- Improved A1C
- Blood pressure reduction
- Increased physical activity
- Improved quality of life
Reimbursement & Sustainability
We support value-based care through:
- Medicare reimbursement (MDPP, DSMES)
- Medicaid Managed Care partnerships
- Medicare Advantage and commercial payer engagement
- Financial assistance for uninsured or underinsured patients
The Granite YMCA also serves as an MDPP Umbrella Hub, supporting program delivery across multiple states.
Whole-Person, Community-Based Support
Our programs extend beyond education to include:
- Peer support and social connection
- Ongoing accountability
- Trusted relationships with trained coaches
- Access to YMCA facilities and wellness resources
This model improves engagement and supports sustained outcomes.
Our Impact
Each year, The Granite YMCA serves thousands of individuals across New Hampshire, helping prevent disease progression, improve chronic condition management, and reduce avoidable healthcare utilization. Clinical–community partnerships enable:
- Care beyond the clinical setting
- Improved patient adherence and outcomes
- Reduced long-term costs
- Healthier communities
Looking Ahead
As healthcare continues to prioritize prevention and value-based care, community-based organizations are essential partners. The Granite YMCA remains focused on expanding access, strengthening provider partnerships, and advancing sustainable models that support patient health between visits.
We are a trusted partner in New Hampshire’s healthcare ecosystem—bridging clinical care and community-based support to improve outcomes and advance population health.
For more information about referrals, partnerships, or program availability, please contact Cindy Lafond, Executive Director of Health Interventions, at 603.232.8650 or clafond@graniteymca.org. Visit www.graniteymca.org/hip to learn more about The Granite YMCA and our Health Intervention Programs.
