Microclinics: Community Empowerment Approach to Health & Wellbeing
Microclinic Facilitators at first training in July 2018
The Microclinic Model Team is a unique approach to community health and wellness.
A ‘microclinic’ is not a small building, but a human infrastructure - a health management collective composed of people who share access to education, technology and social support as members work together to prevent and manage deadly disease. Microclinics are formed organically from extended families, small businesses, church groups, and more. Rather than attempting to create a new social support system, microclinics galvanize existing social networks. Built on relationships and social capital rather than bricks and mortar, microclinics put the power of health directly into the hands of the community.
Anatomy of Microclinic Program: Social Networks Addressing Chronic Disease
- Small teams of two - six family members, friends and colleagues form a microclinic. They set incremental goals to improve their health and support each other in reaching those goals.
- Multiple microclinics (groups) come together to learn how to make sustainable changes to prevent or manage diseases in a fun environment. Healthy lifestyle changes are the goal for all involved. Most need to lose weight, but not all.
- Leaders/facilitators can be health educators, teachers, community health workers, nurses, but we encourage community members who have taken the class. Every day people who can model life style changes are valuable resources and paired up with veteran leaders.
- We see better health for individuals who spread that to their families and communities, the ultimate believe that health is contagious.
- 95% of participants who completed a Microclinic Program improved in at least one clinical indicator (weight, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.)
- Participants influence their social network, spreading health behaviors to friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors.
- During and after the program, participants spread healthy habits to their communities, often joining local efforts to improve community health that include building community gardens and expanding access to healthy food options.
Check out the below resources to learn more about the Microclinic model and movement:
Resources & Publications:
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Evaluation of Healthy2Go: A country store transformation project to improve the food environment and consumer choices in Appalachian Kentucky Read Article
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Randomized Trial of Social Network Lifestyle Intervention for Obesity: MICROCLINIC Intervention Results and 16-Month Follow-up Read Article
- Long-term bodyweight and glucose management effects of the Microclinic Social Network Health Behavioral Program in Amman, Jordan: 2-year results Read Article
Class Registration Starts Soon: Take Your Community Health into You Own Hands
Make 2019 your year of health! Contact Mona Huff at 502-845-6849 or [email protected] if interested in taking or hosting a class. Classes will begin in January in multiple locations.
Blog Contributor:
Mona Huff
Community Health Organizer
University of Louisville
Institute for Sustainable Health & Optimal Aging
[email protected]
Home Office: 502.845.6849 | Cell Phone: 502.706.0098