Strategies for Implementing a Postpartum Lifestyle Intervention in Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Clinics

STRIVE to Prevent Type 2!

Help us find out how lifestyle changes can delay or prevent the risk of Type 2 Diabetes!  

A research program of Tulane University Translational Science Institute, Crescent City Family Services, Louisiana WIC, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute under the National Institutes of Health.

I am Interested in Participating

What is the STRIVE Study?

The STRIVE Study is an 18 month long study that aims to compare the implementation, effectiveness, and sustainability of different strategies for implementing the Diabetes Prevention Program.

The intervention is centered around postpartum women enrolled in WIC services who have a history of gestational diabetes in any pregnancy, or a history or past or current obesity.

The main goal of this study is to help postpartum women achieve a weight loss goal of 7% through healthy eating and increased physical activity.

All eligible participants who enroll in the study will receive up to $350 in gift cards as compensation for their time.

Community Advisory Committee & Mom's Group

   Community Advisory Committee: Angela Forfia, Daisy Ellis, Felice Hill, Jahana Deadmon, Jennifer Jackson, Kim Williams, Stephenie Marshall, William Kirchain, Shanika Valcour-LeDuff, Emelia Clement, Yolanda Motley, Valerie Miniex, Cecilia Gambala.

Mom’s Group: Ashley Graves, Anabel Manzamares, Banu Husain, Heydi Rivera, Katia Riveria, Michelle Dixion, Mickayla Lewis, Morgan Evans, Safa Abdalah, Sequoia Wilkins, Vanessa Carbijal- Miranda.

Did you know

Obesity and gestational diabetes during pregnancy substantially increases the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Strong evidence supports the crucial role of diet and physical activity in preventing Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In the Diabetes Prevention Program trial, the intervention reduced risk by 58% and was more effective than medication at lowering the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. 

You May Be Eligible to Join STRIVE if…

  • You are age 18 or older
  • You gave birth in the past 6 weeks to 12 months
  • You receive WIC services at a participating clinic or received services at a participating WIC clinic during or after your most recent pregnancy

Benefits to Participants

  • You will receive lifestyle and health coaching sessions that aim to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
  • You will meet and connect with other women who also have the same goals as you.
  • You will receive blood pressure measurements, height and weight, and lab tests at no cost to you.
  • Your participation may help with plans for providing this type of program in WIC clinics in the future.

Interested In Participating?

Call 504-249-8698  or click the button to fill out a quick form!

You can also email strive@tulane.edu

Study Partners

Crescent City Family Services

  • Mary E. Schultheis, LPN, Multi-Principal Investigator
  • Courtney Martin, BS, CLC, Community Advisory
    and Moms Advisory Committee Chair

Tulane University

  • Kirsten S. Dorans, ScD, Multi-Principal Investigator
  • Jiang He, MD, PhD, Multi-Principal Investigator
  • Flor Alvarado, MD, MHS, Co-Investigator
  • Alessandra Bazzano, PhD, MPH, Co-Investigator
  • Jenilee Cueto, MPH, PhD Student

  • Erin Dandridge, MPH, RDN, LDN, Research Dietitian
  • Tara Dobson, BA, Senior Study Coordinator
  • Emily W. Harville, PhD, Co-Investigator
  • Hua He, PhD, Co-Investigator
  • Kennedy Dorsey, MS, Biostatistician 

  • Martina Musmeci Salles, MPH, RDN, LDN, FAND – Dietitian/Lead DPP Coordinator
  • Denys Symonette Mitchell, MSW, DrPH Student

  • Lizheng Shi, PhD, MsPharm, MA, Co-Investigator

Tulane Certified Interventionists & Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) by Region

  • Amber Alford, CRC – Regions 4 & 6
  • Savannah Hays, MA, CRC – Region 9
  • Danielle Gyasi, MPH, CRC  – Regions 2 & 9
  • Sterling Fahey, CRC – Regions 2 & 4
  • Caitlyn McAdams, CRC – Regions 1 & 9
  • Laura McKeithen, CRC – Region 9
  • Jessica Aragonez Pena, CRC – Region 1
  • Jada King, MS, CRC – Regions 2 & 4
  • Chavanne Stine, CRC – Region 5

Louisiana WIC

Celia Bridgeforth, PhD, RDN, LDN, SC Member

Lauren Kasten, RD, LDN, CLC, DPP Coordinator

Northwestern University
Matthew J. O’Brien, MD, Consultant

Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Leanne Redman, MS, PhD, Co-Investigator

University of Pennsylvania
Sarah Schrauben, MD, MSCI, Co-Investigator

WIC Clinic Partners

  • Acadia  Parish Health Unit
  • Access Health Louisiana
  • Aruna Sangisetty Clinic
  • Ascension DePaul Services
  • Ascension Parish Government
  • Beauregard Parish Health Unit
  • Calcasieu Parish Health Unit
  • Care South: Florida Blvd Clinic
  • Crescent City Family Services
  • East Baton Rouge Parish Health Unit
  • Evangeline Parish Health Unit
  • Iberia Parish Health Unit
  • Jefferson Parish Health Unit
  • Jefferson Davis Parish Health Unit
  • LaFourche Parish Health Unit
  • Lafayette Parish Health Unit
  • Livingston Parish Health Unit
  • New Orleans Department of Health
  • Rapides Parish Health Unit
  • Southern University School of Nursing
  • St. John Parish Health Unit
  • St. Landry Parish Health Unit
  • St. Martin Parish Government
  • St. Martin Parish Health Unit
  • St. Mary Parish Health Unit
  • Start Community Health Center
  • Tangipahoa Parish Health Unit
  • Ultimate Health
  • Vermilion Parish Health Unit
  • Washington Parish Health Unit
  • West Baton Rouge Parish Government