Bon Secours celebrates 10th anniversary of Well Walkers program
January 6, 2025
More than 46,000 walkers have utilized temperature-controlled space for exercise
Bon Secours St. Francis Health System and the Bon Secours Wellness Arena will celebrate the Well Walkers program’s 10th anniversary this January.
Since its launch on January 13, 2015, the program has helped tens of thousands of local residents stay active and improve their health through regular walking sessions. The program has seen incredible growth over the last decade, attracting 46,449 participants since its debut. During 2024 alone, the program welcomed a total of 3,907 walkers. That’s 253 more walkers than the previous year, showing this program continues to grow even in its tenth year.
“The Well Walkers Program was created with the vision of providing a simple, yet effective way for individuals to engage in regular physical activity. We are so proud to see it enter its tenth year, as we know we’ve not only helped community members improve their physical health through this program but also fostered connections within the community, creating a supportive and encouraging environment for all,” said Matt Caldwell, president of Bon Secours St. Francis Health System.
Walking is often referred to as one of the best exercises for maintaining heart health and improving overall well-being. Not only that, but it has proven to be an easy and enjoyable activity for people of all ages and fitness levels.
“I enjoy walking, and this is a safe way to do that. Also, I meet lots of people,” said Kathy Piatak when explaining why she’s been a Well Walker since nearly the very beginning. “I started in April of the first year, and I’ve walked for ten years. In fact, I come so often they asked to start volunteering with the program!”
In addition to finding a safe place to walk, the weather can sometimes pose a challenge for people looking to get their steps in. So, the health system and the Bon Secours Wellness Arena created the Well Walkers program to give everyone access to a perfect space where staying active is possible even when the weather isn’t cooperating!
The program has also evolved to include various events, health screenings, and educational resources from time to time, all designed to enhance the overall experience for participants. These additions have helped grow the program’s impact, further cementing its role in the community’s health journey.
“Over the past decade, the Well Walkers program has truly become a cornerstone of our community’s health and wellness initiatives. We’re thrilled to celebrate its 10th anniversary and reflect on the impact it has had in helping individuals stay active and connected. This milestone speaks to the power of collaboration between Bon Secours St. Francis Health System and the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, and we look forward to continuing to provide a welcoming space where our community can prioritize their health,” said Beth Paul, General Manager of Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
As the Well Walkers Program celebrates this significant milestone, Bon Secours is excited to continue providing opportunities for individuals to embrace an active lifestyle.
Here are the program’s upcoming walk dates for January:
- Tuesday, January 7
- Thursday, January 9
- Tuesday, January 14
- Thursday, January 16
- Tuesday, January 21
- Thursday, January 23
- Tuesday, January 28
On the above listed dates, the arena concourse will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for anyone in the community who wants to have a temperature-controlled space to exercise. Each loop around the concourse is a quarter mile, making it easy to get your daily step goals accomplished. Well Walkers is a free event & you can just show up – no registration or prior notice is required. Free parking for Well Walkers participants is provided in the VIP lot at the arena, located off Church Street.
During the January 7th session, the first Well Walkers event of the year, there will be providers on site to share information about local health services available, along with special giveaways and other celebratory happenings to mark the ten-year milestone.
To learn more about Well Walkers or see the schedule as upcoming dates are added, visit bonsecours.com or bonsecoursarena.com.
About Bon Secours
Bon Secours St. Francis Health System is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health, one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry’s quality, compassionate care is provided by more than 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland. Bon Secours St. Francis Health System provides compassionate medical care to thousands of area residents through Bon Secours St. Francis Downtown and Bon Secours St. Francis Eastside, as well as a network of primary and specialty care practices, and ambulatory care sites across the Greenville region. The mission of Bon Secours St. Francis Health System is to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. For more information, visit BonSecours.com.
