Alliance of New York State YMCAs

Statewide Initiatives

Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program

The YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program (BPSMP) helps adults with hypertension lower and manage their blood pressure. The four-month program focuses on regulated home self-monitoring of one’s blood pressure using proper measuring techniques, individualized support and nutrition education for better blood pressure management. Learn the latest program stats with this downloadable fact sheet!

Participating YMCAs:

Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer (CIFT) Certification

Designed by the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the CIFT certification provides health and wellness professionals with the knowledge and skills to uniquely assess, develop, and implement individualized exercise programming for people with any physical, sensory, or cognitive disability. Since 2016, the New York State YMCA Foundation, Inc. and the New York State Disability and Health Program have partnered to certify more than 160 YMCA health and wellness staff from 11 YMCA Associations across New York State as CIFTs. Learn more about becoming a CIFT by visiting our downloadable fact sheet!

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP)

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a low-cost evidence-based intervention developed by Dr. Kate Lorig through the Stanford University School of Medicine. CDSMP is designed for adults with a variety of chronic conditions (e.g. arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, lung disease, etc.) to gain self-efficacy and education through interactive peer support. For six weeks, workshops gather in convenient community settings and are facilitated by a pair of trained leaders – one or both of whom is a non-health professional living with a chronic disease.

Participating Ys:

Enhance®Fitness

Enhance®Fitness is an evidence-based group exercise program for older adults that uses simple, easy-to-learn movements that motivate individuals – particularly those with arthritis – to stay active throughout their life. Each class session includes cardiovascular, strength training, balance, and flexibility exercises and the fostering of strong social relationships between participants. Learn the latest program facts with this downloadable fact sheet!

The Alliance set out to share the numerous stories of the individuals that had their lives changed by the Y’s EnhanceFitness Program. Featuring seven YMCA Associations, the Alliance and Cantaloupe TV traveled across New York State in search of understanding just how great of an impact EnhanceFitness has had on program participants. Click here for the full EnhanceFitness Digital Storybook experience!

Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Standards

In response to a call by First Lady Michelle Obama and the Partnership for a Healthier America, the Y has expanded its longtime commitment to supporting healthy living by adopting a set of Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Standards. Based, in part, on years of research with key partners, the HEPA Standards will build a healthier future for our nation’s children by creating environments rich in opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity. Visit Meet HEPA to learn more about the Y’s food, beverage, screen time, infant feeding, physical activity, and family engagement standards. To see the local impact across New York State, check out our HEPA Infographic!

Walkability Initiative

In Step It Up! The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities, the U.S. Surgeon General made clear that there is an urgent need to promote physical activity to prevent and control disease. With one out of every two American adults living with a chronic disease, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes and a growing number of children and youth at risk or living with these diseases, it is critical that states takes action. The Alliance works to educate leaders and advance policy on the health and economic benefits of walkability and walkable communities, Safe Routes to Schools, and Complete Streets.

In previous years, the Alliance piloted the Arthritis Foundation’s Walk With Ease and launched the Safe Routes to School Student Ambassador Pilot Program to engage youth in the advocacy space. Check out our feature video in YMCA of the USA’s Digital Walkability Storybook!

Walk With Ease

The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk With Ease Program is a six-week, evidence-based program the teaches participants, with or without arthritis, how to safely make physical activity part of their everyday life. Studies show that Walk With Ease is proven to reduce pain and discomfort caused by arthritis; increase balance, strength, and walking pace; and build confidence in one’s ability to be physically active.

Participating YMCAs: