The Youth Connection's I2D2: Fit ‘N’ Fun Family Club is a health and nutrition program that is geared towards children between the ages of 6-12 and their parents or caregivers.  The program is an effort to (I2) Increase fruits and vegetables and physical activity and (D2) decrease sugary drinks and screen time (TV, computer, video games).  The program is for six weeks, one day out of the week and is introduced to participants in elementary schools, faith based organizations, businesses, and community organizations.  This initiative has been nationally recognized by Johnson & Johnson Community Health Program, Johns Hopkins University, and The American Public Health Association.  Our outstanding data shows the impact that we have had in the communities that we have serviced and the great need for health and nutrition education. 

According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, 70% of Detroiters are obese or overweight. Nationally, the adverse health effects of childhood obesity are well documented. Over half of Detroit residents live in “food deserts,” an area with inadequate access to nutritious foods. The lack of supermarkets in Detroit along with the closing of several City Recreation centers has contributed to an increase in numerous medical conditions and threatens the health of the entire community.

The I2D2: Fit ‘N’ Fun Family Club is funded through a grant from the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority (DWMHA).  We have partnerships with Molina Healthcare, Weight Watchers, Wayne State University, Detroit Public Schools, Education Achievement Authority Schools, and The Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion Nutrition Division.  Our partners provide additional resources to our participants.   We have also aligned ourselves with several other partners who are also committed to happier, healthier, and safer communities. 

The I2D2: Fit ‘N’ Fun Family Club is dedicated to the communities that we have serviced, not just in our contribution to promote health and nutrition awareness, but to propel it to a happier and safer environment for future generations to come.

The Youth Connection I2D2 Fit ‘N’ Fun Family Club obesity prevention program is thrilled to share the results of a Practicum Abstract conducted by a student intern, McKenzie Kudron, of the Wayne State University School of Medicine Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences. Her practicum shows that the I2D2 program is making a huge difference in both knowledge and behavioral change for Wayne County families that participate in the program. The statistically significant results show that parents and students are more knowledgeable about their health and fitness and are increasing the amounts of fruits and vegetables they are eating, increasing their daily exercise and reducing the amount of sugary drinks they consume and amount of time spent in front of screens (computer, tv, mobile devices). We are very excited about the future of the I2D2 program and connecting our families to a healthier way of life. The I2D2 Obesity Prevention Program is funded in part by the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority and St. John Providence Health System. For more information or to see if the I2D2 program can be held at your school, church, or community-based organization, please call us at (313) 826-7099.