Strengthening Diabetes Support in Phoenix: How Valleywise Health’s DEEP Program is Changing Lives
On the first day of the Valleywise Diabetes Education Empowerment Program (DEEP) in Phoenix, Arizona, a determined woman walked into the room, ready to seek answers and strategies to manage her type 2 diabetes. This chronic condition had weighed heavily on her daily life—limiting her mobility, dimming her eyesight, and making everyday tasks more difficult. Yet despite these challenges, she carried with her a sense of hope that the program could offer her tools and support she desperately needed.
As the session progressed, she bravely shared her personal story with the group. Her openness struck a deep chord with other participants who were facing similar struggles. In that moment, her vulnerability created more than just conversation—it built connection. Fellow participants related to her challenges, encouraged her strength, and, together, they began to form a support system that reached far beyond the classroom.
This story highlights the very essence of what makes Valleywise Health’s DEEP program so powerful: it is not simply an educational initiative but a safe and supportive environment where individuals living with type 2 diabetes can connect, learn, and grow together.
The Power of a Support System
What made this woman’s journey even more impactful was the support system she built, particularly through the guidance of Oscar Solis, a patient navigator for the DEEP program. Patient navigators like Solis play a crucial role in helping participants not only understand their condition but also in empowering them to take control of their health.
“Understanding that managing type 2 diabetes can be complex, program coordinators work to build personal connections with each participant,” explained Solis. “We are committed to delivering care with genuine kindness and compassion, which is ingrained in our culture.”
This individualized, compassionate approach is what distinguishes the DEEP program from many other community health initiatives. Rather than overwhelming participants with medical terminology and rigid instruction, the program emphasizes human connection, empathy, and culturally relevant education.
A Community-Driven Health Initiative
The DEEP program in Phoenix is part of Valleywise Health’s broader Health Zones initiative, launched in 2024, which focuses on addressing chronic health challenges in underserved communities. The need for such a program in South Phoenix is significant. Data reveals that 65% of residents in the area face challenges related to weight management, while 80% of healthcare costs in the region are tied to preventable chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Recognizing the urgency of these issues, Valleywise Health designed a program that not only educates individuals about diabetes but also integrates essential resources into their daily lives. The initiative was made possible in large part through a $2.1 million grant from the CVS Health Foundation, which partnered with Valleywise Health, Home Assist Health, and Advance. Together, these organizations created a comprehensive system that includes home health services, remote monitoring, medically tailored food boxes, and vital educational support.
“The CVS Health Foundation’s support enables us to deliver critical, hands-on education and resources to individuals living with or at risk for type 2 diabetes—support that many in our community would otherwise go without,” Solis emphasized.
Transformative Results in the First Year
The Phoenix Health Zone has already shown remarkable progress in its first year of operation. Among the outcomes:
- 50 participants who used home health services through Home Assist Health reported a 61% reduction in emergency room visits and an 81% decrease in hospital visits.
- 60 participants successfully completed the Valleywise Health DEEP program, demonstrating not only their commitment but also the program’s ability to inspire sustainable change.
These results underscore how community-driven health programs, when combined with education, social support, and resources, can dramatically improve health outcomes.
“What we often hear from patients is their desire to remain connected with DEEP and fellow participants after completing their cohort,” Solis noted. “During the classes, participants build a sense of community with one another, offering support for each other’s successes and becoming a source of encouragement during challenging times.”
The Role of Patient Navigators
One of the most important elements driving the DEEP program’s success has been the inclusion of patient navigators. These individuals serve as guides, educators, and motivators, ensuring that participants feel supported at every stage of their journey. Unlike traditional healthcare roles that often focus solely on clinical treatment, patient navigators blend practical assistance with emotional support.
Building on the success of its first year, Valleywise Health—with the continued backing of the CVS Health Foundation—expanded its team by hiring another patient navigator. This move ensures that even more participants can benefit from personalized attention and continuous encouragement.
Patient navigators are also essential in bridging gaps in healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities. They help patients understand their diagnoses, connect them with necessary services, and provide guidance that extends beyond the classroom. For participants managing a lifelong condition like diabetes, this role can mean the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling empowered.
Expanding Partnerships for Broader Impact
Valleywise Health and CVS Health have also forged partnerships with organizations like Elaine and Instacart Health to expand the reach and accessibility of their services. These collaborations further enhance the program by addressing practical barriers to health management, such as access to healthy food and resources for at-home care.
Through Instacart Health, for example, participants gain easier access to groceries and medically tailored foods, reducing one of the key challenges many face when attempting to manage a chronic condition: the cost and availability of nutritious meals. Similarly, partnerships with organizations like Elaine extend the program’s resources into more corners of the community, ensuring a broader, more inclusive impact.
Empowering Families and Communities
While the DEEP program primarily targets individuals with type 2 diabetes, its benefits ripple outward into families and neighborhoods. By equipping participants with knowledge and strategies for healthier living, the program indirectly improves the lifestyles of their families as well.
“The DEEP program has proven to be one of our most impactful initiatives,” said Solis. “It not only provides culturally relevant diabetes education, but also empowers participants to make sustainable, informed health decisions that benefit their entire families.”
Participants leave the program with more than just educational materials; they gain a sense of confidence, the encouragement of a community, and the practical tools to apply what they have learned in everyday life. This empowerment can help break cycles of poor health and inspire healthier habits for generations.
