Juneau Alliance for Mental Health, Inc., has been selected by the Health Promotion Research Center at Dartmouth to participate in the InSHAPE research project, an 18-month health promotion program for persons with mental illness.
Funded by the National Institute of Mental Health in partnership with the National Council on Community Behavioral Health, the project is aimed at determining how to best implement evidence-based health promotion to decrease obesity and reduce cardiovascular risk for persons with mental illness. JAMHI is one of 20 organizations selected from applicants nationwide.
According to a press release from JAMHI, the program targets lifestyle and health care factors with the goal of improving fitness through activity, nutrition and integration of primary health care services. The project uses a health mentor to work in partnership with participants to develop individualized plans to achieve personal goals.
While weight loss and smoking cessation are endorsed, improved fitness is the desired outcome. The project underscores that while some people experience difficulty losing weight, activity and better nutrition can improve fitness regardless of their weight.
“Participation in the InSHAPE Project will provide another valuable element to JAMHI’s four-year Primary Care Behavioral Health Integration project slated to begin in October,” said Pam Watts, JAMHI executive director. “We’re excited to be involved with two such important projects that support the overall health of Juneau residents.”
