Supportive Initiatives

One in three American adults has high blood pressure, which puts them at risk for stroke and heart disease, two of the leading causes of death in the U.S.

In response to this critical health issue, YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program offers personalized support as participants develop the habit of monitoring their blood pressure. Research shows that the process of recording blood pressure at least twice a month over a period of four months can lower blood pressure in many people with high blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring is one part of Y-USA’s suite of evidence-based chronic disease prevention programs. Since 2005, the Y has worked to become a leading provider of chronic disease prevention programs to communities across the U.S.

Participants will:

• Take and record their blood pressure at least two times per month
• Attend two consultations a month with a Healthy Heart Ambassador
• Attend monthly nutrition education seminars

As a way to leverage resources, Indiana YMCAs are increasingly combining backroom operations via the Alliance's Management Service Organizations (MSOs). The MSOs allow local YMCA associations to right size services while maintaining their autonomy and increasing efficiencies, standardizing operations, and building staff bench strength. 

Current MSOs include: 

• Accounting and Payroll
• HR Legal Services 
• Marketing support 

Indiana Youth and Government Program 

One in five teens and young adults live with a mental health condition with 50% of all mental illnesses beginning by age 14.

To respond to the growing mental health concerns among our youth, Ys across the State are offering the Youth Mental Health First Aid training for their staff.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Covers:

• Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in this age group, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
• Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.
• How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.
• How to connect the youth with help.
• Expanded content on trauma, substance use, self-care and the impact of social media and bullying.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a program from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing www.mhfa.org