About & Overview

Roots of Wellness is an 18-month, community-based health initiative offered by Baltimore CONNECT for Black and African American adults in Baltimore City and nearby areas who live with chronic conditions such as pre-diabetes, diabetes, high blood pressure, overweight or obesity. It is designed to build trust, improve access to care and empower participants through culturally-responsive support and community health workers.

Core Values

• Equity in Health — Addressing persistent disparities in chronic-disease outcomes for underserved communities.

• Community -Centered Care — Delivered by trained Community Health Workers who live and understand the local context.

• Accessibility & Empowerment — Free services, accessible screenings, tailored coaching and connection to trusted resources.

• Holistic Wellness — Emphasizing health beyond conditions: screening, coaching, connection to nutrition, fitness, and community support.

• Sustained Impact — A long-term program designed for meaningful change over time, not just a one-off encounter.

Services

• One-on-one health coaching with a dedicated Community Health Worker.

• Comprehensive health screenings targeting key risk factors: pre-diabetes, diabetes, hypertension, overweight and obesity.

• Connections to local resources including nutrition programs, fitness opportunities, healthcare providers and services.

• Group wellness activities to build resilience, community support and peer connection.

• Participation incentives (up to $175) to encourage full program engagement.

Short Tagline

“Empowering Local Wellness, One Community at a Time.”

Brief Overview

• Target Audience: Black/African American adults, 18+ years old, living in Baltimore City or surrounding areas, with one or more chronic conditions (pre-diabetes, diabetes, high blood pressure, overweight/obesity).

• Program Duration: 18 months.

• Key Benefits: Personalized coaching, screenings, community support, access to local wellness resources, incentive for participation.

• Why It Matters: By meeting participants where they are—culturally, geographically and socially—Roots of Wellness seeks to transform health outcomes and create a stronger foundation for long-term wellbeing in the community.

• Get Started: Visit the program page to learn more and enroll.

Visit the resource page here: Roots of Wellness Program