The Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center

Novo Nordisk and Local Partners To Advance Chronic Disease Prevention for Houston Communities

After 10 years, Novo Nordisk announces that Cities Changing Diabetes has become Cities for Better Health. This launch is a celebration of a decade of change, acceleration of chronic disease prevention, and a vision to close the health equity gap. As the Cities for Better Health-Houston program leader, The Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center (the Institute) is dedicated to fostering healthier and more resilient communities through its Center for Faith and Public Health.

The Cities Changing Diabetes public-private partnership program was established in 2014 by Novo Nordisk, Steno Diabetes Centre Copenhagen and University College London. Initially, the program included five partner cities including Houston, Copenhagen, Mexico City, Shanghai, and Tianjin. Drawing on Novo Nordisk’s extensive diabetes expertise spanning over a century, the initiative set out to bring together diverse stakeholders from different sectors to combat the increasing prevalence of diabetes in urban settings.

Today, Cities for Better Health has grown to more than 160 partners in more than 45 cities across 24 countries reaching a combined population of 220 million people. The aim is to promote health equity in cities, expand prevention efforts and address barriers to health for vulnerable populations and children.

As the third city globally and the first U.S. city to join the network, Cities for Better Health-Houston, underscores the Institute’s commitment to combat the most challenging chronic diseases facing the region with a holistic approach focused on primary prevention. This public-private partnership includes Houston Health Department, Harris County Public Health, Harris County Precincts 2 and 4, Harris Health, the HOPE Clinic, Harris County Medical Society, Fort Bend County Health and Human Services, Aldine ISD and many major faith communities such as the Windsor Village Church Family and the North Houston District of the AME Church. By addressing health risks earlier, the Institute believes it is possible for underserved communities to reduce the chronic disease burden. 

Prevention of chronic diseases helps the Texas Medical Center and greater Houston’s strained medical facilities by providing community members, public entities, employers and community-based organizations with educational resources. According to Dr. Maricela Caceres, MD, CHWI, program manager for Cities for Better Health-Houston, strong collaborative partnerships are essential to reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases, addressing food insecurity and providing accessible self care education.

“Novo Nordisk values our partnership with the Institute for Spirituality and Health in Houston. As our anchor partner, they have a trusted relationship with the diverse set of partners that collaborate on Communities for Better Health, which allows for better integration of multiple partners and intervention streams to deliver chronic disease prevention and management impact to local residents. They have established four pillars for community support and brought the implementing partners together, empowering each and the communities they serve to have a voice in the project design and delivery and also share the success,” commented Apurva Patel, Director of US Corporate Sustainability and Social Impact at Novo Nordisk.

Cities for Better Health-Houston offers four different programs to improve Houston families’ resiliency against chronic diseases:  

• MyDiabetesHQ.org provides a “one-stop-shop” for health navigation and diabetes-related resources. The purpose of the MyDiabetesHQ platform is to help patients, providers, employers, and communities better navigate a fragmented healthcare system. The platform supports patients in prioritizing their health by connecting them with health-related resources, community resources, and social services, for more information about Cities Changing Diabetes-Houston, email info@mydiabeteshq.org.
• The Faith and Diabetes Initiative empowers diverse faith communities in Greater Houston to better address diabetes and cardiovascular health awareness, prevention, and management with special attention to religious belief, practice, and community life.
• Houston’s Diabetes Peer Support Program is a network of support groups by and for people living with diabetes and their caregivers address the mental health challenges associated with living with a complex disease like diabetes. Participants may share experiences, help each other learn, and foster a sense of community.
• Bite of HOPE builds healthier communities, focusing on integrating medical and culinary education, specifically in neighborhoods that lack adequate access to healthy food.

“Cities for Better Health-Houston programs reach many of our neighbors at risk for developing chronic diseases, including minorities and immigrants. Our program continues to serve as a model for cities around the world. We are fortunate to work with many local partners to address the challenges of chronic prevention, including government, healthcare and educational entities, as well as communities of faith. Reducing health inequities in Houston communities requires a collaborative effort from everyone,” commented Dr. Caceres.

Dr. Caceres supports and facilitates the Cities for Better Health ecosystem and collaborates with community partners. She is dedicated to increasing healthcare access for all through health education, prevention, awareness and by addressing the barriers to health and wellness. She joined the Institute in September 2023 and is committed to empowering the disadvantaged communities and to create lasting impact across the Greater Houston area to reduce the chronic disease burden.

About the Center for Faith and Public Health

The Institute’s Center for Faith and Public Health focuses on faith communities as a central part of life for a large percentage of the population. Establishing and partnering with health ministries is an effective strategy for advancing community health. By “starting with faith,” the Institute helps public health systems offer resources in a caring way while providing a safe place for faith communities to overcome historical barriers to essential health resources by providing education and access to adults through various initiatives. For more information about the Institute’s Center for Faith and Public Health, please visit https://www.spiritualityandhealth.org/centerforfaithandpublichealth.

About The Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center

The Institute is an independent, interfaith organization established in 1955. A founding member of the world-renowned Texas Medical Center, the Institute has made a meaningful difference by cultivating heart and humanity in healthcare for nearly seven decades.

The mission of The Institute for Spirituality and Health is to enhance well-being by exploring the relationship between spirituality and health. The Institute advances this mission by engaging in education, research, and direct service programs, guided by its four centers of excellence: the Rabbi Samuel E. Karff Center for Healthcare Professionals, the Center for Body, Spirit, and Mind, the Center for End of Life and Aging, and the Center for Faith and Public Health. For more information about The Institute, visit https://www.spiritualityandhealth.org/.

About Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company that’s been making innovative medicines to help people with diabetes live longer, healthier lives for more than 100 years. This heritage has given Novo Nordisk the experience and capabilities to drive change and help people defeat serious chronic diseases such as obesity, rare blood, and endocrine disorders.