Toronto — November 14, 2024 — NexJ Health is excited to announce the launch of Phase 3 of Health Coaching to Wellness: The Diabetes Prevention Challenge, in partnership with Black Creek Community Health Centre (BCCHC). This groundbreaking initiative aims to empower community members through digital health coaching, focusing on improving adherence to health behaviors with a special emphasis on social determinants of health (SDOH) and mental wellbeing.

Building on the success of the earlier project phases, this phase will rigorously test and evaluate the effectiveness of the program in reducing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) among the community. The collaboration leverages NexJ Connected Wellness, an advanced digital health platform designed for population health management.

Key to the program is the training of community members as Health Coaches. Utilizing their skills and experience as trusted community figures, these coaches will connect participants with essential services and supports to mitigate the risk of developing diabetes. Coaches will be recruited through North West Toronto OHT Partner organizations and the CanRisk research project, while participants will be recruited from local communities and organizations.

The program emphasizes addressing SDOH and mental wellbeing, recognizing their critical roles in diabetes prevention. The initiative will also generate robust evidence demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in reducing T2D risks, with the potential for adaptation to other communities across Canada.

“We are thrilled to advance to Phase 3 of this critical initiative,” said Michelle Westin, Senior Analyst – Planning, Quality and Risk at BCCHC. “By training local Health Coaches, we are not only providing them with valuable skills but also ensuring that our community members receive culturally competent and accessible health support. Our goal is to create a sustainable model that can be replicated in other communities facing similar challenges.”

NexJ Health, a leader in health coaching interventions, will co-lead the project by developing the training modules and providing the digital health platform. Their expertise ensures the program’s high-quality implementation and scalability. As part of the program, coaches will undergo comprehensive training in diabetes prevention, motivational interviewing, goal setting, and digital tool usage. Participants will receive health coaching over a 12-month period via the NexJ Connected Wellness platform, enhancing their ability to manage health behaviors effectively.

Dr. Noah Wayne, VP of Clinical Programs at NexJ Health, added: “This partnership is a testament to our commitment to health equity and innovation. By integrating digital tools with community-based coaching, we are bridging gaps in care and providing our community with the resources they need to lead healthier lives.”

To further incentivize participants throughout the duration of the program, NexJ Health is partnered with rewards partners to offer various incentives to participants, encouraging continuous engagement and adherence to health behaviors and goals.

This initiative addresses high diabetes prevalence in Northwest Toronto, where many residents face barriers such as poverty, food insecurity, and limited access to primary care. By increasing digital health literacy and providing personalized coaching, the program aims to make a substantial impact on the community’s overall health and wellbeing.

To learn more about NexJ Health, NexJ Connected Wellness or receive health coaching, please visit www.nexjhealth.com or contact us at info@nexjhealth.com.
About NexJ Health Inc.
NexJ Health Inc. is a provider of patient-facing population health management solutions, specializing in personalized health coaching and self-management tools. Our AI-enabled platform, NexJ Connected Wellness, empowers individuals to take control of their health by offering tailored interventions, goal-setting, and real-time support across various health conditions. With a focus on improving outcomes and reducing costs, NexJ Health integrates evidence-based practices with cutting-edge technology to deliver a seamless experience for patients, healthcare providers, and organizations. For more information about NexJ Health visit www.nexjhealth.com, e-mail info@nexjhealth.com, or call 416-227-3700.

About Black Creek Community Health Centre
Black Creek Community Health Centre (Black Creek CHC) is a respected multi-service agency serving Toronto’s North York West and adjacent communities since 1989. Black Creek CHC works with individuals, families, and organizations to deliver comprehensive health services and programs that enable community members to receive the best care, where they live. Best known for their holistic healthcare approach, Black Creek CHC brings together and relies on the continued support of government, healthcare, and community partners to address the unique needs and challenges of the community.