The YMCA’s Partner in Wellness is St. Mary Medical Center. This announcement was made at a press conference on Monday, February 29th at 3 pm at the YMCA. Bob Wanek, The Valparaiso Family YMCA CEO and Janice Ryba, St. Mary Medical Center CEO, revealed plans for this unique partnership between a medical center and a YMCA. The joint partnership includes a St. Mary Medical Center staff member, Christy Cleveland, registered RN and liaison, who will be coordinating blood pressure and BMI checks, seminars, lunch and learn events at the Valpo Y for members and the community.
Future plans shared at the press conference included physical therapy and cardiac rehabilitation (Phase III) services available for YMCA members and the community, provided by hospital therapists and clinical staff. To make these new programs from St. Mary Medical Center work at the YMCA, a building extension to the current YMCA facility was also announced. This new area will be a two-story, 7800 sq. ft. space featuring: a mind/body studio for group exercise classes, a space for personal training and physical therapy, private offices for physical therapy, private exercise studio, expanded bathrooms and a new board room.
Ground will break on this new building this spring and be ready to open before the end of 2016. This new space in part was possible with a donation from St. Mary Medical Center. “It is an exciting time for the Valparaiso Family YMCA, we are answering the needs of our members and community with this vital partnership with St. Mary Medical Center,” says YMCA CEO Bob Wanek.
“Our partnership grew from a shared commitment to the health and wellness of our communities,” adds Ryba. “And with so many of our friends, staff and patients living in the area, it truly feels like a natural extension of our St. Mary Medical Center family.”