Mountain Wise

12/10/2025

Hey Haywood County! 👋 It's time to invest in your health alongside people who truly get it.

Type 2 diabetes affects our families and our future—but we have the power to stop it. That's why we're so excited to launch the next session of the Minority Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP)!

This isn't just a class; it’s a supportive, year-long journey with a trained Lifestyle Coach and your neighbors. We focus on real-life changes that honor our diverse traditions, including:

🍎 Healthy Eating that Tastes Like Home: Learn to prepare your favorite meals in new, healthier ways without sacrificing flavor or culture.

🚶‍♀️ Getting Active Together: Find fun ways to move your body that fit your life.

🤝 Real Talk & Real Support: Share successes, challenges, and encouragement in a private group environment.

The CDC's Prevent T2 has proven results: a 58% lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. That's more time, more energy, and more life to enjoy with your family and community.

Sign up to be contacted by one of our dedicated staff members!

English: https://dpp4life.com/MountainWise-MDPP/en

Español: https://dpp4life.com/MountainWise-MDPP-ESP/es

Who should join?

Adults 18+

People with prediabetes or high-risk factors

Individuals who want to protect their health and family's future

Click the link or call us at (828) 349-2456 to learn about our next class starting in early 2026!

11/14/2025

Did you know pre-diabetes is when your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not yet high enough for a Type 2 diagnosis? (See the photo for the staggering stats!)

This phase is a crucial window of opportunity! Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can often stop the progression to Type 2 Diabetes. Talk to your health care provider about Prediabetes!

11/14/2025

💙Today is World Diabetes Day!💙

Did you know that a staggering number of people are living with pre-diabetes right now and don't even know it? Awareness is the first step, and prevention is the goal.

On this important day, we encourage you to Know Your Risk and take charge of your health. Pre-diabetes is often reversible through lifestyle changes!

Visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/office-minority-health-and-health-disparities/nc-minority-diabetes-prevention-program for free resources, risk quizzes, and information on upcoming education programs in your county!

Be aware of multiple fraudulent text scams requesting payment for NCDMV fees, fines or tolls. NCDMV will NEVER request payment by text. Please report it as spam and delete. Learn More About NCDMV Fraudulent Text Scams

11/05/2025

⛰️ Meet Agustin, Our New MDPP Coordinator!

We are absolutely thrilled to introduce the newest member of our team: Agustin, who is stepping into the role of our Minority Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) Coordinator!

Agustin is a proud graduate of Western Carolina University and fell so deeply in love with beautiful Western North Carolina during his time there that he decided to make our region his home. We're so lucky to have his passion and dedication right here with us.

Please join us in giving Agustin a huge, warm welcome! We're excited for the great work he's going to do.

10/21/2024

Fifteen Haywood County residents met Tuesday, to begin a year-long, guided journey to better health. The Minority Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) is provided by MountainWise, a public health collaboration intended to improve the wellness of Western North Carolinians. ✅

Participants who are at risk of diabetes can qualify for MDPP. Risk factors include family history of diabetes, obesity and elevated A1C. Although the program goal is to reach minorities, a percentage of others may attend. "This particular program targets minorities because minorities are affected more frequently and more seriously by diabetes." said Paige Louise Robinson, who heads up MDPP for the eight westernmost counties."We will provide prevention education, incentives, fitness opportunities, monitoring of progress and special wellness activities throughout the year." she added. Robinson employs certified Lifestyle Coaches in the various counties to help deliver programs and services.

Lifestyle Coach and personal trainer, Ben Ross will meet with participants each week for six months and then once a month for the remainder of the year. Ben Ross has served as Lifestyle Coach for the past 3 years. Regarding the new program, Robinson commented, "I am proud of what we are able to offer. This group is friendly and enthusiastic and the Haywood Rec Park is the perfect location. I expect it will be a great year."

Contact Paige Robinson (MDPP Coordinator) to join a future class in your community: paige@mountainwise.org.

08/04/2024

Happy National Breastfeeding Week! Did you know WIC offers lots of support to breastfeeding parents? Swipe to see exactly what kind of help you can get through WIC!

07/26/2024

Reminiscing about our amazing closing gatherings at and last month! Missing all of our participants and partners!

07/18/2024

🏃‍♂️💨 Another awesome year at the Greening up the Mountain 5K with the Minority Diabetes Prevention 5K running team! 🌟 Coach Ben Ross from Waynesville, NC, crushed it with yet another first-place medal! 🥇 Shoutout to all our MDPP runners who finished strong, many finishing under the 30-minute mark! 🙌

07/16/2024

What a great resource! Thanks Mental Health America !

07/11/2024

There's still time to sign up for this continuing education course through Duke UNC TTS follow the link in the comments to learn more!

07/10/2024

Reflecting on our wonderful day at Jackson County Parks and Rec Center pavilion on June 4th, 2024! Despite the rain almost derailing our plans, we gathered for our final outdoor event with food, drinks, music, and outdoor activities. Each member brought a dish filled with healthy ingredients. It was a joy to share these nutritious meals and their benefits with everyone! 🌿🍴

07/02/2024

And another big thanks to everyone who came out to our Swain County end-of-series gathering last Thursday at ! What an incredible night!!