March
2
Cindy Shorey
cindyshorey@yahoo.com
The Caring People
164 Corporate Avenue
Branson, MO   65616

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
David Danford
Director of Development, Faith Community Health Center
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.faithhealthcenter.org

Talbird Lovan
Executive Director, Ozark Mountain Family YMCA
Phone: (417) 332-1909
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.orymca.org

The Faith Community Health Center forms partnership with the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA to meet the “whole-person” health needs of the working uninsured in Stone and Taney Counties.

Branson, MO – February 10, 2009 – The dream of a handful of community-minded citizens to find a way to provide affordable healthcare for the working uninsured in Stone and Taney Counties is now becoming a reality as the Faith Community Health Center, a low-cost health center, expands its collaborative partnership with the YMCA.

For the past 18 months, individuals serving in the Healthcare Catalyst Group have been working behind the scenes to study, organize and implement plans to open a faith-based health center that focuses on the well being of the “whole-person” – spirit, mind and body.

“We recognize Christ as the builder of our community, and our hope is that this Center will improve the overall spiritual, physical, mental and emotional health of the working uninsured in Stone and Taney Counties,” Sue Head, Director of the Keeter Center for Character Education and Healthcare Catalyst Group member said.

With a commitment to address the “whole person” health of these individuals, the Faith Community Health Center has formed a partnership with the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA, who will be the primary wellness education and prevention provider for these clients.

“With today’s focus on wellness and disease prevention, it is vital for community health organizations like FCHC to forge strong relationships with the community leaders in wellness services like the YMCA,” said David Danford, Director of Development for the Faith Community Health Center.

When people come into the medical portion of the Faith Community Health Center, they will not only be medically treated for their illness or disease, but will also be “prescribed” wellness and prevention services at the YMCA that address their specific concerns. “It is this whole person approach to health that brings whole person healing. Our hope is that this Center will improve the overall health of not just these individuals, but of the community at large,” Danford said.

Talbird Lovan, Executive Director of the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA, is excited about the positive impact that this partnership will have on the community. “The YMCA’s mission – to promote Judeo-Christian values through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all – and its commitment to living out that mission in our community makes the YMCA a perfect fit,” Lovan said.

The YMCA proudly stands on the belief that no one be denied access to membership and services due to financial limitations. “Hundreds of people in our community already benefit from the Y’s commitment to financial assistance,” Lovan said. “We look forward to the opportunity to reach a greater portion of our community through our partnership with the Faith Community Health Center as we seek to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.”

Currently, the YMCA is developing plans for the initial scope of wellness and prevention services that will be offered to Faith Community Health Center clients and YMCA members. In addition to the exercise, fitness training, and educational programs already offered, the YMCA is also considering education and wellness programs centered around diabetes education, smoking cessation, nutrition counseling, family counseling and massage therapy.

In order to maximize on community resources already available, the YMCA is forging partnerships with various local organizations – such as the American Cancer Society, Branson Drug, local Health Departments, and others – to help provide these specialized services at the YMCA. The future scope of prevention and wellness services will expand based on community and client need.

The many people involved in the development of the Faith Community Health Center are resolved to bring hope and healing to the working uninsured in this community. “The Faith Community Health Center – YMCA collaboration is just another example of people working together to improve the lives of those that call Ozark Mountain Country home,” Head said. “The Lord is certainly in this.”

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