Improving Health Outcomes and Lifestyle Choices in an Underserved Community Through the Implementation of a Wellness Program

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement a wellness program with the purpose of bridging the gap in lifestyle and disease knowledge in a socioeconomically vulnerable mentally ill population. The participants were members of an adult day mental health facility which aided the local underserved population. The wellness program emphasized improving knowledge of chronic health conditions, healthy lifestyle habits and the practice of mindfulness meditation. Significance: The significance of this project is the advancement of health status via health education from a wellness perspective. Vulnerable populations who are at higher risk of chronic physical and mental illness can use the knowledge acquired to induce positive health changes from programs such as this. The knowledge imparted from this program can also serve to supplemental health education typically provided during a medical office visit. Methods: The methodology employed in this project included identification of a project initiative and audience, performance of a needs assessment, investigation of the current literature, incorporation of a theoretical framework, obtainment of organizational and stakeholder support, implementation of the project and lastly an evaluation process of the project. Project Outcomes: Participants benefited from the wellness program by receiving health and lifestyle education and mindfulness meditation techniques. Case Managers were confident that the project was useful to the needs of the population the facility served. Clinical Relevance: The project serves as a model for future wellness programs in similar facilities and towards creating informational sessions to supplement the health education provided in primary care and specialty medical practices