Mission Health honored for commitment to community health

A commitment to collaboration and improving the health of the community has earned Mission Health the 2016 Champion of Health award from the YMCA of Western North Carolina. 

The YMCA presented the award at its annual meeting on Nov. 3.

The Champion of Health award is given annually to a community partner who helped further the YMCA of Western North Carolina’s commitment to community integrated health, the YMCA said.

Mission Health demonstrated its commitment to community integrated health through engagement with community partners and financial investment in innovative areas.

“We are so proud of the partnership we have with the YMCA of Western North Carolina as we work together to improve the health and wellness of our region,” said Kathleen Culhane Guyette MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and President of Regional Member Hospitals.  “And we are honored to receive this award, which shines a spotlight on Mission Health’s commitment to the communities we serve.”

Mission Health and the YMCA of Western North Carolina are working to address a variety of health issues, including hunger. Funding from Mission Health supports nutritious food distribution, and healthy cooking demonstrations, the YMCA will offer across WNC through its Healthy Living Mobile Kitchen. The two organizations are also working together to reduce the prevalence and long-term effects of Type 2 diabetes.

Mission Health Partners and the YMCA recently entered into an agreement that provides a foundation for the expansion of the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program and the YMCA’s Taking Control of Type 2 program™ in Buncombe County and across western North Carolina.

“We value the partnership we have with the YMCA as we both strive to manage and prevent diabetes,” said Dr. Robert Fields, Executive Medical Director of Mission Health Partners.  “Together, we have made a dramatic difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors across western North Carolina.”

Paul Vest, president and CEO of the YMCA of Western North Carolina, said the YMCA is committed to improving the health of people throughout the region.

“Investing in improvements in population health through nutrition and the prevention and management of chronic disease is the most cost-effective way to fulfill that commitment,” Vest said. “Having partners like Mission Health is critical to our work and our collaboration is inspiring people to improve their health habits and change their lives for the better.”