Dr. Sheila Pinette, Director of Maine CDC, presented Richmond
Area Health Center with a certificate of recognition on Oct. 11 for their work
as leaders in combating obesity and helping to decrease chronic disease and
health care costs in Maine.
Over the past year, 700 patients at the health center have
lost weight totaling more than 2 tons (4,000 pounds). The health center's
incentive program didn't cost any money, but helped reduce health care costs
because many patients were able to cut back or completely eliminate medications
for chronic diseases as a result of their weight loss.
Under the direction of Tom Bartol, NP, and the assistance of
Healthy Communities of the Capital Area, the health center encouraged patients
through a simple system of positive reinforcement. Patients who has lost weight
from one appointment to the next would write their names and the amount lost on
paper stars posted on the health center wall. After hanging up their stars,
patients rang a bell announcing to everyone they has lost weight. Staff would
hear the bell and applaud to congratulate them.
Richmond Area Health Center is a practice of the HealthReach
Community Health Centers, a system of eleven federally-qualified health centers
and two dental practices in central and western Maine.
This announcement
comes during National School Lunch Week. This USDA press release explains how more schools are
providing healthier meal options for our children. USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion also launched a new website with information for eating healthy on a budget.
