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YMCA, Hartford HealthCare Partner to Improve Residents’ Health

April 01, 2019

Hartford HealthCare (HHC) and the Southington-Cheshire community YMCAs are partnering to offer exercise and health education to improve the health of local residents, including those with diabetes.

In November, the collaboration along with support from the Main Street Foundation, generated the YMCAs’ free 12-week Diabetes Prevention Program that combines health education with 30 minutes of exercise to help with diabetes.

HHC educators including registered dietitians, advanced practice registered nurses and pharmacists have presented on topics including healthy cooking, medication, and cardiovascular risks associated with diabetes. The group setting provides a friendly, non-threatening environment while encouraging individuals to achieve their physical best.

“The combination of physical activity and education is proving its success. Participants have met many of their initial goals and have gained the knowledge they need to keep living their best healthy lives,” said Jolene Miceli, Southington Community YMCA Healthy Initiatives coordinator.

HHC and the YMCAs have a long history of collaboration, including the Healthy Family FunFest, now in its 10th year, which attracts more than 4,000 visitors seeking health information – primarily from HHC medical professionals.

Other partnerships include:

  • HHC clinicians have been integral to the YMCA’s Livestrong program geared to individuals with cancer.
  • Rehabilitation therapists have provided stretching for athletes at the Apple Harvest Festival Road Race.
  • A health fair was held at the YMCA in celebration of the organization’s 90th birthday.
  • HHC offers monthly blood pressure screenings, educational speakers, and sponsorships of major YMCA events including the senior lunch.

HHC and the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCAs have a similar goal: to be committed to the health and healing of the community. The two entities are developing new strategies to optimize their expertise and partnerships to make Southington and Cheshire residents healthier. Topics include pre- and post-rehab care, cardiovascular health, women’s health issues and sports performance enhancement. An HHC kiosk will soon be installed at the YMCA where visitors can watch health-related videos, access health tips and learn of upcoming programs.

“This is an exciting time for the YMCA and the communities we serve. By partnering with Hartford HealthCare, we are making the programs and services we offer even stronger. Their talented and caring staff bring a medical expertise and really brings these chronic illness programs to the next level,” stated Mark Pooler, YMCA CEO.

“For over 10 years we have been partnering with the YMCA on health and wellness programming for the community at large. Our innovative approach to healthy living addresses the social determinants of health by building an integrated person-centered experience,” said Lisa Connolly, vice president, Hartford HealthCare Senior Services. “Together, by providing a medical, social, wellness, and prevention model, we can truly make an impact on community health outcomes by promoting healthy lifestyles,” Connolly said.

Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA and Hartford HealthCare are both not-for-profits that serve the Southington community. For more information about Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA, click here. For more information about Hartford HealthCare, click here.