Operation Change
Transforming lives through advocacy and behavioral change to bridge the gap in chronic disease management and musculoskeletal health.
- Our Method
What is Operation Change?
Operation Change is a 12-week community-based behavioral change program targeted at 60 women ages 45+ years, who are underrepresented minorities (i.e., African Americans and Hispanic/Latinas) or living in rural communities. At minimum, they should experience two (2) comorbid conditions (i.e., obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and/or depression) and these conditions should be exacerbated by limited mobility due to joint pain.
Program Objectives:
- Define the importance of movement as medicine for joint pain.
- Describe how movement helps with managing chronic disease.
- Demonstrate how to build capacity in your community.
- Application of Motivational Interviewing skills to motivate and sustain behavior change.
We’re proud to share that Operation Change has touched the lives of more than 500 individuals to date.
- Our Activity
What We Do
Through early intervention, education, behavior change, and advocacy, Operation Change is focused on raising awareness of disparities on chronic disease management and quality of life.
Who We Work With
Operation Change connects with women ages 45-80 in African American, Latina, and rural communities. These individuals have joint pain, and have at least one comorbid condition (obesity, heart disease, diabetes).
The program is by community members, for community members. Each Operation Change team leader is from the community in which the program is implemented.
We’re proud to share that Operation Change has touched the lives of more than 500 individuals to date.
Why it Works
Operation Change is a behavioral change program to promote healthy living in women impacted by health disparities. Through educational sessions, culturally tailored physical activity, and a supportive social environment, individuals create sustainable, long-lasting change.
Operation Change is making a proven impact in the communities it serves. Access “Operation Change: A New Paradigm Addressing Behavior Change and Musculoskeletal Health Disparities” to read a study that examined the implementation and efficacy of the program.
Where We Work
Operation Change currently takes place in five communities across the U.S.:
Chicago, Illinois
Hazard, Kentucky
Mt. Vernon, New York
San Diego, California
St. Louis, Missouri
Breaking the Vicious Cycle
Increases awareness of risk associated w/limited mobility due to joint pain
Increases physical activity in participants
Provides knowledge to support behavior change
Addresses the social determinants of health, which impact chronic conditions and quality of life
Community Voices
Rural
America
Partnering With Faith-Based Organizations
Start Moving, Start Living Trailer (Spanish)
Partner With Operation Change
Partner with Operation Change to bring transformative health equity to your community. By combining evidence-based behavioral education with culturally tailored support, we help women reclaim their mobility and manage chronic conditions. We invite healthcare providers, community leaders, and funding partners to join our mission in bridging the gap in musculoskeletal health and creating sustainable, long-lasting wellness for underserved populations.