CHESTER COUNTY, PA — The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) has made history by becoming the first YMCA Association in the United States to secure the prestigious Medical Fitness Facility Certification from the Medical Fitness Association (MFA). This achievement positions the eight branches of YGBW as the only certified facilities of their kind within Pennsylvania, marking a significant milestone in the state’s health and wellness landscape.
The attainment of this certification reflects the visionary efforts of Bertram L. Lawson II, President and CEO of YGBW, and the strategic execution led by Heather Worthy Wilson, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer. The certification is a hallmark of excellence, reserved for facilities that exemplify superior standards in the medical fitness industry, which caters to over four million members globally. Certified facilities, such as those within YGBW, are recognized for offering professional expertise and high-quality programs designed to foster healthy lifestyles and mitigate health risks.
“Today is a proud day at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine,” announced Lawson. “There’s a reason why our branches are the only facilities in the state to have earned certification by the Medical Fitness Association. The standards are extremely high – and our team worked incredibly hard to earn this great honor.”
Lawson emphasized the certification’s role in enhancing community health from preventive measures to recovery. “Health is a universal need of all people. Earning this certification verifies YGBW’s expertise in supporting our community from prevention to recovery and points in between,” he added.
David Flench, FACHE, FMFA, President and CEO of the MFA, acknowledged the pressing need for certified medical fitness facilities amidst rising chronic disease rates. “Studies have shown that when people maintain an active lifestyle, especially in a safe environment, they reduce the risk of illness down the road. The YMCA of Greater Brandywine has taken an important step in providing this extraordinary level of care,” Flench noted.
The MFA’s certification process is rigorous, requiring facilities to adhere to internationally recognized standards and undergo comprehensive on-site evaluations. Certified entities, like YGBW, are integrated into the healthcare continuum, ensuring they deliver top-tier programs and services with a focus on safety and quality.
Heather Worthy Wilson, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at YGBW, spoke on the YMCA’s role within the healthcare framework. “We recognize that there are many providers that make up the healthcare continuum. Every provider has a role to play in support of public health – including the YMCA,” she stated. The certification signals to the medical community that YGBW is a reliable resource for patient referrals, advancing the integration of fitness and nutrition expertise within healthcare.
Veronica L. Lopez, RN, Vice President of Health Strategies at YGBW, highlighted the organization’s patient-centered approach. “Patients are overwhelmed with healthcare options and the fragmentation along the continuum. Most people understand that movement and nutrition can help prevent, fight, and heal chronic disease. But it can be overwhelming and isolating identifying what specific steps to take and challenging to stay the course,” she explained. “YGBW wants to be a partner in this process. Our team is educated, qualified, and certified to help patients on their journey – and help physicians ensure a more 360-degree approach to healthcare. We can all grow stronger by working together.”
This recognition was celebrated at the Medical Fitness Association conference in New Orleans, LA, where Wilson and Lopez represented YGBW. The certification not only cements YGBW’s role in advancing public health but also highlights its efforts to offer innovative solutions in the fight against chronic diseases, setting a new standard for YMCA facilities nationwide.
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