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Hendricks Regional Health and West District YMCA Team Up to
Develop New Healthy Lifestyle Center
Organizations Will Address Health Issues that Face Community
Hendricks Regional Health and the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis announced today their partnership to build central Indiana’s first fully-integrated YMCA and hospital collaboration. The 100,000 square-foot Healthy Lifestyle Center, to be called the Hendricks Regional Health YMCA, will sit on 28.8 acres of land along Highway 36 in Avon and will allow both organizations an opportunity to provide the most comprehensive health, wellness, nutrition and stress management services available to the community.
Due to both organizations’ strong commitment to health and wellness, the Hendricks Regional Health YMCA will be a destination where people can learn, plan and take action to improve their health and quality of life. The Hendricks Regional Health YMCA campus will offer a host of health and wellness services designed around the needs of the community.
The new Hendricks Regional Health YMCA will cost more than $18 million to construct, towards which $13.5 million will need to be raised from the community. The campaign is already at over 60 percent of the goal thanks to the generous lead gift of $5 million from Hendricks Regional Health as well as committed support from the United Way of Central Indiana Capital Fund, Duke Energy, the Skillman Corporation and other corporate and individual donors. Construction could begin as early as the summer of 2009 based on campaign progress, with a projected opening date for the facility in late 2010.
The Hendricks Regional Health YMCA partnership will provide west side residents with health, wellness and medical services provided seamlessly under one roof. YMCA amenities will include an indoor aquatics center, state of the art wellness center, dance/aerobics studio, sports gymnasium, teen center, child watch, indoor climbing wall, outdoor sports fields, walking trails and outdoor education center. Hendricks Regional Health will provide physical and occupational therapies, cardiac rehabilitation, complete lab and x-ray services, new medical practices (including family practice), sports medicine and other hospital outreach services such as nutrition counseling and diabetes education.
“With the alarming rates of obesity, pre-diabetes and other preventable chronic diseases, the YMCA and Hendricks Regional Health felt compelled to come together and help area residents live healthier lives by providing a holistic approach for better wellbeing,” said Eric J. Ellsworth, President/CEO, YMCA of Greater Indianapolis.
Hendricks Regional Health president and CEO, Dennis Dawes, added “Our hospital’s mission is to improve the health of our region. Preventative care and healthy lifestyles are important components to improving health and achieving a good quality of life. Our partnership with the YMCA will provide Westside residents with a terrific opportunity to improve their health and wellness and establish lifelong healthy habits for their families.
“We invite the entire community to support this important new resource that will benefit thousands of kids and families,” said Tom Zupancic, Honorary Campaign Chair, West District Branch YMCA.
Currently, the YMCA offers programs for the Westside community through its West District Branch YMCA Program Office, located at 7811 W. Morris Street. The branch collaborates with area schools and agencies to offer before and afterschool childcare and programs that focus on a healthy lifestyle.
Public updates about the new Hendricks Regional Health YMCA can be obtained by visiting www.indymca.org or www.hendricks.org.
About the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis
The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis serves more than 171,000 people in diverse communities throughout greater Indianapolis. The YMCA brings together young and old, men and women, people of all faiths, backgrounds, and incomes. Last year, the YMCA provided more than $6 million in scholarships, subsidies, and under-written programs and community services in low income neighborhoods. Through 12 branches and in collaboration with more than 200 churches, schools, and other community groups and organizations, the YMCA is also able to extend its program opportunities throughout Central Indiana and into the heart of urban neighborhoods. For more information about YMCA programs and services visit www.indymca.org.
About Hendricks Regional Health
Since 1962, Hendricks Regional Health has served as the area's leading healthcare provider by delivering innovative care with a personal touch. Licensed by the Indiana State Department of Health and accredited by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program, Hendricks Regional Health staffs a full complement of physicians in 56 specialties at locations in Danville, Avon, Plainfield, Brownsburg and Lizton. Hendricks Regional Health plays a vital role on the west side of Indianapolis by offering education, support and care for residents and fellow non-profit agencies that focus on improving the well-being of the community.