Elected Officials, State & Local Leaders to join Senator Carper in a Panel Discussion.
Wilmington, Delaware— On Friday, December 6th, the YMCA of Delaware will proudly host a special ceremony at the Central YMCA in Wilmington to present Senator Tom Carper with the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award. The event, scheduled from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, will celebrate Senator Carper’s decades-long dedication to the YMCA of Delaware and his pivotal contributions to gaining bipartisan support for the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program. A panel discussion featuring elected officials and community leaders will follow, focusing on strategies to enhance health outcomes across Delaware.
A YMCA member for more than 50 years, Senator Carper remains an active participant at the YMCA, often starting his mornings there with a workout before heading to Washington, D.C., for the day. His steadfast support has been instrumental in expanding access to critical programs, including partnering with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to enhance the YMCA’s Residence program. Each year, this initiative provides transitional housing to nearly 180 men, empowering individuals during times of need.
Senator Carper’s legacy with the YMCA includes commemorating the launch of the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program at the Central Y in 2013, a milestone that solidified the Y’s role as a leading partner in the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP). His vision, leadership, and advocacy earned him the YMCA of the USA Congressional Champion Award.
“With the Y’s mission to nurture a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, partnering with the CDC was a natural step toward building stronger, healthier communities,” said Jarrett Royster, CEO of the YMCA of Delaware. “Senator Carper’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment were instrumental in turning this vision into reality.”
Since its inception, the NDPP has touched the lives of over 790,000 individuals nationwide, helping to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes through education, lifestyle changes, and support. In Delaware, nearly 5,000 individuals have benefited from the program, gaining tools to lead healthier lives. The program’s success is reflected in its inclusion as a reimbursable service through health insurance providers and Medicaid. Many employers, including the City of Wilmington, offer it as part of their employee wellness packages.
Midway through the program, Senator Carper will be joined by elected officials and local leaders to discuss critical issues Delawareans face, including the obesity crisis, healthcare costs, and creating partnerships to improve outcomes statewide. YMCA of Delaware President and CEO Jarrett Royster will moderate this panel discussion.
Scheduled Panel Discussion Participants:
*Subject to change*
- Senator Tom Carper
- Dany Smith, City of Wilmington
- Dr. Krishna Upadhya, Chief Medical Officer, Delaware Director of Medicaid and Medical Assistance
- Shebra Hall, Chief, Bureau of Chronic Disease, Division of Public Health
- Suzanne McCormick, National CEO, YMCA of the USA
- Heather Hodge, Vice President, Emerging Opportunities, YMCA of the USA
- Nicole Freedman, Executive Director of Government Relations, YMCA of Delaware
The YMCA of Delaware looks forward to celebrating a legacy of leadership, innovation, and compassion that continues to impact countless lives across the First State and beyond.
Event Details
What: Lifetime Achievement Award Honoring Senator Tom Carper & Panel Discussion
When: Friday, December 6, 2024, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Where: Central YMCA, 501 W. 11th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
About the YMCA of Delaware
The YMCA of Delaware is Delaware’s largest nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth, fostering healthy living, and promoting strong communities. With seven branches statewide, a youth resource center, and an overnight camp and conference center in Worton, Maryland, the Y has developed longstanding relationships and a physical presence in Delaware so it can deliver lasting personal and social change. We are committed to serving everyone – regardless of age, income or background –nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving Delaware’s health and wellbeing, and creating a healthy, inclusive community where all people reach their full potential. www.ymcade.org.
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