People overcoming challenges together is a beautiful sight to see—and it’s something Dr. Henry Young and his team from the University of Georgia (UGA) have witnessed firsthand through their Fishers of Men initiative. This unique community-academic partnership between UGA and rural churches is addressing critical health needs and creating new opportunities across several Georgia counties. What they discovered along the way is profound: the community itself is the most powerful tool for improving rural health.
“It was outstanding to see how everyone came together to help one another,” said Dr. Henry Young, a College of Pharmacy Professor at UGA. “The social connectedness proves that we need to meet people where they are. If we want to move the needle on community issues, the community needs to be at the table.”
Launched in 2020 and funded by the Georgia Department of Public Health, the Fishers of Men initiative has partnered with 22 churches across eight counties. Together, they’re tackling a range of health challenges using evidence-based strategies—beginning with a major one: Type 2 diabetes.
A UGA study shows that nearly 20% of rural Georgians have developed Type 2 diabetes in the last decade, driven by limited access to healthcare, healthy food options, and lifestyle education. Determined to reverse that trend, Dr. Young and his team introduced the CDC’s Diabetes Prevention Program to the communities involved.
The year-long program includes 12 modules, led by certified lifestyle coaches trained at Emory University. The first half focuses on forming healthy habits; the second half emphasizes sustaining them. Importantly, all sessions are held in the churches—trusted, central gathering places—ensuring accessibility and comfort.
“My passion got me in this line of work,” said Dr. Young. “Growing up in Miami, I saw various challenges. I wanted to learn how to address those. My family’s from rural areas—Monticello, Florida, and outside Montgomery, Alabama—so this work is personal.”
The initiative sparked a ripple effect. Attendees formed accountability groups, shared healthy recipes, and even coordinated transportation for neighbors with limited mobility. Friendly competition among churches added motivation, and above all, the community spirit blossomed.
“I saw individuals sharing stories about how they encountered and overcame various challenges. They vicariously learned from each other. These stories built the resilience of the community,” said Dr. Young.
Looking ahead, Dr. Young and his team plan to expand the program to more churches in southwest Georgia. They also aim to tackle maternal and child health issues and develop telehealth services to reach even more people in need.
While the Fishers of Men initiative began as a way to combat Type 2 diabetes, its greatest success may be something less tangible but just as vital—the strengthening of a community determined to thrive together.
