Initiated by Erica Mitchell - nurse practitioner and wife of the lead pastor - the church launched their very first cohort of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) in September 2023. The program aims to provide valuable resources and support to individuals at risk of developing diabetes by fostering healthier lifestyles and preventing complications.

Mitchell's interest in the DPP began upon learning about the many health concerns throughout the congregation. 

"Many of our church members come to me to talk about their health conditions," she explained. "The most common health concern has been diabetes and pre-diabetes. People are often overwhelmed with where to start with lifestyle changes."

In efforts to address these concerns, Mitchell reached out to Dana Burns, DNP, from VCU School of Nursing, and Evan Sisson, Pharm.D., from VCU School of Pharmacy, who operate an interprofessional diabetes clinic at VCU Health.

"I shadowed in their clinic and loved seeing their partnership in helping patients achieve their hemoglobin A1c goals," she wrote. “What a beautiful model incorporating knowledge and experience from an advanced practice provider and a pharmacist.” 

Under Sisson’s mentorship, VCU Pharmacy P3 students Brenna Levison, Kim Trinh and Sienna Grau helped launch the New Life DPP consisting of weekly Sunday morning sessions at New Life Baptist Church.

Erica Mitchell (Left) & Kim Trinh (Right)

A key element contributing to the program's success is the involvement of the pharmacy students. Through the incorporation of the National DPP Lifestyle Coach training curricula within the P1 health care communications course, students are able to become certified DPP lifestyle coaches by the end of their first year. 

Levison, one of the P3 pharmacy students, writes, “Being able to learn from our patients regarding health challenges broadens my skills as a future pharmacist and allows me to gain experience with real patients in ways you can't always get in the classroom.”

Kim Trinh - P3 VCU Pharmacy Student

The program currently has seven participants - one of whom is attending virtually due to specific needs. The flexibility of the program ensures that it can cater to the diverse needs of the community.

“The church has already formed a tight-knit community,” Grau, P3 pharmacy student, writes. “The participants are comfortable with each other and excited to start this journey as a group! Having the support of other participants is a big factor in meeting the goals of this program. This new group at the church has already created an awesome support system for each other.”

New Life Baptist Church's DPP represents a commendable initiative that blends health care expertise and community support. It serves as an exemplary model for addressing the pressing issue of diabetes within the community and demonstrates the power of collaboration between health care professionals, community members and pharmacy students. 

"I am most excited about this coaching model and love the enthusiasm the pharmacy students bring to each session," Mitchell writes. “They have been helping members brainstorm ways to make sustainable lifestyle changes that will have lasting impact over the next year. These students are dedicated and I appreciate them so much!" 

The Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation at VCU School of Pharmacy is a CDC-recognized delivery organization of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, which initially was made possible by funding through the CDC Cooperative Agreement NU58DP006620-InnoVAte, and is now being sustained by VCU School of Pharmacy faculty, students and the Dietetic Internship Program. Current cohorts are located at the VCU Health Hub at 25th and New Life Baptist Church. For questions, email us at cppi@vcu.edu.