WellnessFirst Builds Community and Promotes Wellness

Wellness is defined as “ … being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal.” St. Joseph Hospital’s WellnessFirst Program supports exactly that by offering local employers a complimentary service that connects employees with health and wellness services that enhance their lives. 

To date, the hospital has partnered with nearly 20 employers. One example of a thriving WellnessFirst partnership is between the hospital and the YMCA of Greater Nashua, New Hampshire. 

“Our partnership was rekindled when our healthcare heroes were working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic and the YMCA stepped up to offer essential workers much-needed childcare,” commented Kara Ellis, director of service line development, St. Joseph Hospital. “As non-profit organizations, we appreciated there was tremendous synergy in our priorities and that we both have a vested interest in serving the community.” 

“Our mission is very clear — to nurture our members in every way we can to ensure good health, overall well-being and a sense of social responsibility — partnering with St. Joe’s to do so made great sense,” said Mike LaChance, chief executive officer, YMCA of Greater Nashua. “We were happy to offer St. Joe’s employees childcare options when the pandemic hit, as we were granted emergency childcare status from the state and knew our healthcare providers were in need.” 

Today, St. Joseph Hospital and the YMCA are working collaboratively to provide its employees and members access to wellness opportunities. They’ve included the hospital’s Mobile Health Clinic, providing physicals for campers, with the YMCA offering membership opportunities to hospital employees. Future plans include hosting vaccine clinics, educational seminars, meet the provider events and more.

For information about improving employee wellness with your organization, please contact Colleen Heaslip at cheaslip@covh.org.