University Healthcare Berkeley Medical Center Recognized By Change the Future WV

Photo:  (left to right) Denise Ryan, Berkeley County Health Department, is show presenting a plaque to University Healthcare’s Dana DeJarnett and Teresa McCabe for the health system’s participating in the Change the Future WV program.

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. –  Representatives of University Healthcare Berkeley Medical Center were recently presented a plaque of appreciation from Change the Future WV for working with the Berkeley County Health Department to promote healthy living and promote proper preventive health care in the Eastern Panhandle.

Chronic disease management is one of the areas of focus for University Healthcare as identified in the 2012 Community Health Needs Assessment conducted by the health system.  University Healthcare, under the leadership of Health Promotion Specialist Dana DeJarnett, worked with Change the Future WV to support and promote the disease self-management classes.  These programs focus on chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Change the Future WV supports the development of systems that link and build referral networks between doctors and community based lifestyle change programs (such as Dining with Diabetes, Chronic Disease Self-Management, and other prevention programs).  A referral network has been established in University Healthcare’s Epic (electronic medical record) platform to make it easy for health professionals to refer patients to these disease self-management classes offered locally.

Change the Future WV believes that all West Virginians should live in communities that help them be healthy, rather than places that make it difficult to eat well, be active, and maintain overall physical and mental well-being. Important health and economic benefits can be shared by all when communities focus on creating neighborhoods with easy access to healthy food options, opportunities for physical activity, clean air environments and proper preventive health care.