Palmetto Health and YMCA of Columbia Join Forces to Improve Community Health
June 24, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – Palmetto Health and the YMCA of Columbia are starting a new journey together, focused on improving the health and wellness of residents across the Midlands region. This joint effort is a stronger alignment than in the past, designed to further the missions of both organizations by better utilizing each other’s programs and services.
One of the first joint projects is a $6.8 million, 19,925 square-foot facility, located at 1089 Dutch Fork RD., which will feature a family medicine physician practice and a YMCA with a shared atrium and classroom space. Construction is underway and is slated for completion in early 2015.
Judy Baskins, Palmetto Health Physician Practices Ambulatory Care Executive, said, “Palmetto Health is committed to improving the physical, emotional and spiritual health of all individuals and communities we serve; to providing care with excellence and compassion; and, to working with others who share our fundamental commitment to improving the human condition. What better way to do that than to partner with another committed community health leader like the YMCA of Columbia to capitalize on each organization’s strengths.”
Bryan Madden, YMCA of Columbia CEO added, “For over 160 years, the Y has been dedicated to changing lives. Working with the Midlands’ leader in health care is an incredible opportunity to positively impact the health and wellness of our communities.”
The new facility is just one example of this new relationship. Both organizations look forward to offering enhanced opportunities for community members to improve their health, including new patient and community wellness programs as well as expanded existing programs. Other joint programs being developed for the new location could include health screenings, support groups and educational programs. Palmetto Health and the YMCA of Columbia are excited about the opportunities that this shared facility presents and are already looking to replicate it in other locations.
About Palmetto Health
Palmetto Health, the largest health care system in the Midlands and third largest non-governmental employer in South Carolina, is composed of more than 10,000 team members, physicians and volunteers working together to fulfill Palmetto Health’s vision: to be remembered by each patient as providing the care and compassion we want for our families and ourselves. The system includes four acute-care hospitals—Palmetto Health Baptist, Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital, Palmetto Health Heart Hospital and Palmetto Health Richland—as well as an expansive physician practice network, dozens of affiliated clinics and specialty care practices and a 501(c)(3) foundation. Palmetto Health Baptist Parkridge, the region’s newest hospital located in northwest Columbia, is scheduled to open spring 2014. Recognized nationally as one of the best places to work and receive care, Palmetto Health also trains the next generation of physicians through its 23 residency and fellowship programs affiliated with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. For more information, visit PalmettoHealth.org.
About the YMCA of Columbia
Over the past century and a half, the YMCA of Columbia has been a community-transforming institution, not only in the Midlands, but in the entire United States. The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Regardless of age, income or background, the Y works to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. Please visit ColumbiaYMCA.org for more information.
