Yale-Griffin
Prevention Research Center

The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center (Y-G PRC) works to identify public health problems and to develop, test, and evaluate public health interventions that can be applied widely, particularly in underserved communities. As leaders at the scientific forefront of translating and implementing evidence-based programs, their unique role includes:

  • Sharing expertise and provide scientific services such as applied research, translation, and program evaluation. They work on public health efforts at the local, state, and national levels. They also play a vital role in training the public health workforce.

  • Improving population health outcomes and contribute to reducing health disparities. Y-G PRC conducts research that contributes to improved community and population health.

  • Developing new and innovative models for preventing chronic disease and other public health problems.

The Y-G PRC was established in 1998 and is co-housed at the Yale School of Public Health in New Haven, CT and Griffin Hospital in Derby, CT. Y-G PRC is one of 25 CDC-funded Prevention Research Centers around the country, with its focus on chronic disease prevention. 

CARE & Y-G PRC

One focus of CARE’s work with the PRC is on the virtual delivery of a diabetes prevention program with support from community health workers in order to improve health in low-income communities in New Haven, Connecticut. CARE focuses on the New Haven aspects of this project.

The DPP is among the best-studied lifestyle intervention for diabetes prevention, however, low-income populations face many barriers to engaging in this program. Our goal is to make this program more accessible by delivering it virtually and retention with care coordination may improve participation and outcomes in the program. This innovative approach of employing personally tailored guidance and care coordination from community health workers (CHWs) and hospital-based community nurses (HCNs) is designed to address many of these barriers to successful participation in the DPP. 

The goal of this Implementation Science Research project is to assess the feasibility of those with diabetes to use a virtually-delivered DPP (v-DPP) supported by community-based health workers and hospital-based community nurses. The ultimate goal is to improve diet quality, physical activity levels, blood sugar, body weight status, and blood pressure among low-income individuals at risk for Type 2 Diabetes.