b'CONTINUITY OF CARE Pam and Lora offer a wealth of knowledge, are extremely encouraging and help people create a plan for getting healthy, adds Dr. Randolph. The small group setting at the local YMCA encourages camaraderie and connections that often last beyond the program. People also have a place to go once the program ends.Being part of a group allowed us to make connections and encourage each other to make healthy lifestyle changes, affirms Gail Haynie, who was referred to the PREP program by Dr. Randolph. One of the biggest benefits for me has been awareness of the value of exercising and eating healthy.When I am preparing food, I dont use the saltshaker anymore. I stay away from fried foods, eat more chicken and less beef and reduce my sugar intake, adds Haynie, who completed the program with her sister, Karen Guy. I am not only regulating my blood pressure, but I am improving my quality of life. According to Guy, the PREP program also provides a comprehensive plan that includes exercise activities and an instructional notebook with nutritional information.The PREP program made me better aware of how I might benefitfrom physical activity and nutrition and introduced me to enjoyable ways to lose weight, concludes Guy, who continues exercising at the YMCA with her sister Gail.THN plans to expand the PREP program to all 9 Greensboro YMCAs.Medically Tailored Meal DeliveryIn 2020, in response to the global pandemic, THN began partnering with Moms Meals, a dietitian-designed meal delivery service, to deliver meals to qualified high-risk patients. Since then, patients have received thousands of healthy meals with their specific nutritional needs in mind. Once patients with heart and vascular conditions, diabetes, kidney disease or other issues are enrolled, meal delivery begins within three days with a 99% successful delivery rate. In 2022, THN received 123 new referrals for meal delivery and delivered 3,682 meals to patients in need. Also, THNs meal delivery expanded as part of its Meal Bridge Program, which provides up to 14 meals a month to patients on waiting lists with community-based Meals on Wheels programs. 15'