CHESTER COUNTY, PA — The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) this week announced the addition of Verónica López as Vice President of Health Strategies. López brings nearly 30 years of experience in nursing leadership, patient advocacy, and community outreach to her new role at YGBW.
Heather Worthy Wilson, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, highlighted the significance of this appointment. “Verónica joins our team at a pivotal time,” Wilson said. “We are embarking on a journey to better serve the medical-related health needs of our community.”
YGBW already has a strong foundation with programs such as LIVESTRONG at the Y, A Matter of Balance, and Parkinson’s Cycle. Under López’s leadership, the organization aims to expand these initiatives and become a certified Medical Fitness facility.
López most recently served as the Director of Nursing at Community Volunteers in Medicine. Her diverse background includes roles as Director of Health Equity at Reading Area Community College, Latina Community Health Services at Pennsylvania Hospital, and involvement with Greater Philadelphia Health Action, Inc. She is committed to promoting patient-centered care and advancing health equity and accessibility for all.
“My background is a natural fit for the YMCA,” López said. “YGBW is committed to serving all in the community – as am I. It is energizing to put my healthcare expertise to use with an organization that aligns with my values – especially at a time when the Y is expanding fitness-related health services to help heal the community.”
Innovative Health Initiatives
One of YGBW’s innovative approaches to increasing access to health and wellness is the introduction of Fit Truks. These fully equipped mobile gyms are designed to deliver health care and fitness services directly to schools, organizations, and community events across Chester County. This initiative aligns with YGBW’s mission to expand access to health-related services and resources.
Bertram L. Lawson II, President and CEO of YGBW, emphasized the importance of this expansion. “Wellness is an area of investment for our organization – to ensure we meet the needs of Chester County residents,” he said.
Strategic Partnerships and Facility Upgrades
The expansion of YGBW’s medical fitness services will be supported through strategic partnerships. Last month, Elite Physical Therapy began offering services at the West Chester Area branch. Physical and occupational therapy are now available from 8 AM to 5 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays, and from 7 AM to 4 PM on Fridays. As demand grows, these hours will expand, and Elite Physical Therapy will launch services at the Coatesville branch in early 2025.
This partnership with Elite follows YGBW’s collaboration with HUSK Nutrition, which started this spring. HUSK provides personalized consultations with registered dieticians, with services covered by most major insurance companies.
YGBW has also upgraded cardio equipment in seven branches and plans to install EVOLT 360 body scanners this fall. The EVOLT 360 provides detailed data through more than 40 different measurements to help members pinpoint wellness goals and improve health outcomes.
Background and Vision
López holds a bachelor’s degree from Temple University and a nursing degree from Gwynedd Mercy University. She completed Advancing Health Equity at Harvard Medical School and is pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania.
As a first-generation American of Cuban descent, López is fluent in Spanish and deeply understands the challenges and opportunities facing immigrants. Outside of work, she is a devoted mother to two children and a dog, and she resides in Chester County.
With López’s extensive experience and commitment to health equity, YGBW is poised to make significant strides in enhancing community health services.
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