Background:
HRSA funded seven projects to develop creative, innovative approaches to reduce the prevalence of obesity in women.
Christiana Care Health Services was awarded a three year grant from HRSA to fund Moving Women Forward (MWF). The average MWF participant is 43, African American, and has a body mass index of 37. Over 1500 women registered for physical activity and weight management programs. Over 600 women continue to participate in the exercise programs, after they complete the LIVE IT Series. LIVE IT, an 8-week weight management program that uses a non-diet approach to weight loss and maintenance, stands for Lose weight, Individualized attention, Variety of exercises, Empower families, Improve your image and Total support. A RD and team leader facilitate weekly discussions. The free program includes physical activity, babysitting, meals and transportation assistance.


Objectives:
Prevent and/or decrease risk of chronic diseases by achieving/maintaining a healthy weight, empower communities, improve health disparities, and create sustainable programs.


Methods:
Program is based on the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute's Clinical Guidelines on Overweight and Obesity in Adults and the American Dietetic Association's Evidence Based Guidelines for Adult Weight Management.
Uses culturally sensitive materials developed by CCHS.


Results:
Average decrease of 4 pounds, 3.6 diastolic pressure, and 4 inches waist circumference after 8 weeks. Four programs sustained their programming after funding ended and the opportunity for more is currently being looked at. Satisfaction scores are an average 4.8 out of 5, 5 being the highest satisfaction.

Conclusion and implications for practice:
Including the community in planning, using community lay person, offering services within community and forming strong community partnerships has helped us reach a large audience. Recently, Delaware has passed a licensure law for RDs, which will be used to leverage billing to insurance companies. The ability to bill insurance companies and having community partners take ownership will sustain funding.