In support of a mutual mission to encourage healthy living, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina (NWNC) have entered into a formal partnership to provide programs and services related to health and fitness.
“This formal partnership expands and solidifies an already existing relationship,” said Len Preslar, president and CEO of North Carolina Baptist Hospital. “It further enhances the mission of both organizations to provide physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing to our members, patients and employees. It makes perfect sense for Wake Forest Baptist, a nationally recognized source for health and nutritional education, to partner with the YMCA, a nationally recognized source for fitness expertise.”
The YMCA of NWNC and Wake Forest Baptist have been working together for several years. The YMCA holds classes at Wake Forest Baptist's BestHealth® resource center, manages the employee fitness center and partners on a weight loss program and cardiac rehabilitation program at Wake Forest Baptist. Best Health also offers classes and wellness screenings at various YMCA locations throughout the area.
“Partnering with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center allows the YMCA of NWNC to offer a complete package of total health to its members, prospective members and program participants – fitness, medical advice and nutritional expertise,” said Tom Looby, president and CEO of YMCA of NWNC. “This partnership enhances several goals and objectives of the YMCA’s Healthy Communities 2010 strategic plan.”
The partnership also allows Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center to expand health maintenance programs further out in the communities where its patients live. The YMCA of NWNC service area covers six of the top 11 counties served by Wake Forest Baptist. With more convenient access, patients will have a higher likelihood of continuing their maintenance programs, thereby increasing their overall health and decreasing their need for future medical care.
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Media Contacts: Jonnie Rohrer, jrohrer@wfubmc.edu, 336-716-6972; Shannon Wright, s.wright@ymcanwnc.org, 336-777-8055 x 231.
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center is an academic health system comprised of North Carolina Baptist Hospital and Wake Forest University Health Sciences, which operates the university’s School of Medicine. The system comprises 1,187 acute care, psychiatric, rehabilitation and long-term care beds and is consistently ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” by U.S. News & World Report.
The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina is a non-profit United Way Agency with a mission of helping people reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind and body. Serving Forsyth, Davie, Stokes, Yadkin and Wilkes counties for the last 117 years, the YMCA continues to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.
Media Relations
Main Number: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587