Health Coaching

We’re passionate about connecting high-risk patients and community members with the resources they need for whole health.

Chronic disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States – and it’s a significant contributor to the nation’s $4.1 trillion annual health care spending. Prevention and early intervention, however, can enhance higher quality of life and reduce costs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 85% of chronic illness is lifestyle or behavior related. Heartland Whole Health Institute is committed to helping people explore the ways building healthier habits now can lower risk and prevent disease. In 2023, we launched a pilot Health Coaching program in partnership with Community Clinic and Newtopia

Health Coaching Overview & Goals

The year-long initiative worked with 350 patients with moderate risk or diagnosis of a chronic disease. These individuals received 1:1 coaching to help build and sustain health habits. Key aspects of the program included:

  • Prevent or improve diabetes or hypertension outcomes
  • Reduce the cost of care
  • Engage patients in their overall health and wellness
  • Provide healthy food through a year’s worth of produce bags

As health coaches identified social determinant issues — such as stress or food insecurity — they referred participants to community health workers who, in turn, offered life-changing resources.

Measuring Success: Program Metrics

The Health Coaching Program looked to several factors to measure its effectiveness, including:

  • Participant engagement and satisfaction
  • Physical health improvements, such as BMI, weight, and blood pressure changes
  • Wellbeing improvements, such as sleep, mood, stress, and energy levels

The 2023 pilot program saw positive results, and this data can help inform future iterations of this and other programs. The idea is to show how adopting a whole health focus can lead to long term cost savings and, more importantly, allows patients to live healthier, happier lives.

CTA Button: See 2023 Results [downloadable PDF, when available for public sharing]

Health Coaching Next Steps

This successful pilot program will allow the Institute to offer a turn-key model for other organizations. For example, companies across the Heartland could implement health coaching into their employee wellness programs.

A small investment in coaching now could mean significant savings in the long run. That’s why it’s a core mission of the Institute to advocate for education-focused, prevention-based programs like health coaching.

Participant Stories

Teresa – 6.38% Weight Loss Lisa – 7.43% Weight Loss Tammy – 10.21% Weight Loss
“I have achieved my goals of eating healthier and no longer taking Victoza for my diabetes. Since seeing the progress I’ve made, I am slowly getting out of a depressed state.” “I’ve been thinking about food differently through thoughtful eating. I’ve lowered my BMI, feel stronger, sleep better, and am able to participate in my daughter’s activities.” “I have more energy. No sugar crashes through the day, and my mental and physical wellbeing have improved significantly… setting daily goals has made a huge difference in how I approach my day.”