Building Clinical-Community Linkages to Promote Physical Activity: Lessons From the Fit on 10th Initiative

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in West Virginia, where many residents face barriers to preventive care and physical activity. Fit on 10th aimed to promote physical activity and cardiovascular health by linking patients from a free and charitable clinic with community-based exercise opportunities. Free clinic providers referred adult patients with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, prediabetes, or diabetes to the local community-based fitness organization for structured fitness programming. Participants received free memberships, transportation support, and tailored exercise plans. Quantitative and qualitative data were used to assess engagement, early indicators, and implementation lessons. Among 93 participants (mean age = 53.2 years; 64.5% female) with follow-up data, favorable trends were observed in weight, blood pressure, and self-reported well-being. Transportation barriers and declining attendance limited sustained engagement. This clinic-community partnership demonstrated feasibility and yielded practical lessons regarding referral workflows, transportation supports, data infrastructure, and sustained engagement that may inform similar health-promotion efforts in safety-net settings.