Pandemic restrictions may have affected in-person health education such as the CDC’s Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) . We interviewed staff from New York City (NYC) DPPs to a) document if/how DPPs adapted and served participants during pandemic lockdowns, and b) identify successes and challenges to operating remotely. Interviewees were lifestyle coaches and DPP coordinators representing a public hospital, a national weight loss program, a healthcare center, a community based organization, a health insurance company, a faith-based DPP, and a network of federally qualified health centers. DPPs served participants in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Zoom interviews (1hr) were recorded and transcribed. Interviewees received a $50 gift card.DPP host organizations continued to provide DPP services during the pandemic and experienced a number of successes and challenges (Table) .
NYC DPPs suffered greatly during COVID-lockdowns and limits on social gathering because they and their participants were unprepared for virtual classes. However, most were successful due to resilient, dedicated, and extraordinarily creative staff. The pandemic highlighted opportunities for successful virtual DPPs in the urban setting, and the need for more robust funding mechanisms, staff support, and technical assistance to ensure sustainability and scalability of the DPP.
L.Apfelbaum: None. E.Smith: None. M.F.Horlyck-romanovsky: None.
Brooklyn College Faculty startup funds
