YWCA joins City of Orange and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Expansion of Orange Health and Wellness Alliance (OHWA.) Programs.

Introduction to Program: Thurs, November 18th, 11am at Family Wellness Center, 395 Main Street.

Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. announced today that the YWCA of Essex and West Hudson has joined OHWA. to provide Health and Wellness programs geared toward seniors. The programs are an expansion of the collaboration with Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and the Saint Barnabas Healthcare system that provides preventative health care and primary medical care in senior citizen housing at 340 Thomas Boulevard, 300 Oakwood Avenue and 400 Oakwood Avenue. Now, the programs are being expanded to include all living outside of the three senior buildings including those living independently

The Health and Wellness programs will be part of the YWCA’s popular Fit for Life initiative and will be held on the first and third Thursday of each month at 11am at the Y’s 395 Main Street Family Wellness Center. The first introductory program will take place on Thursday, November 18th and will address a variety of topics to encourage participation in healthy life styles.

Programs in December will be Immunizations in the Elderly and Breast Awareness. Potential topics for future programs include medication, health care directives, hospice care; sleep apnea; diabetic foot care and diabetic shoes; COPD; HIV in the elder population; orthopedics/arthritis; bone density screenings; stroke screenings;  diabetic nutrition; senior health insurance programs and pacemaker testing. Such programs have been presented at the existing OHWA sites and are geared towards educating seniors and allowing them to be active participants in their health and wellness.  

Statement from Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.
“We created the Orange Health and Wellness Alliance in 2008 to develop public/private partnerships to provide health care, health education, and preventive health services for Orange residents. Last week we expanded the program to provide discount prescription drugs in conjunction with the Heinz foundation. I am pleased to announce another expansion this week as we partner with the YWCA. This public/private partnership provides vital health services to Orange citizens at little or no cost to taxpayers.”

Statement by Lori Williams, Executive Director, YWCA of Essex and West
“The YWCA is proud to extend this service to our older adults as part our ‘Fit for Life’ initiative. The sessions follow our popular senior exercise classes that end at 11am. We are pleased to join forces with the City of Orange Township and Beth Israel to empower our seniors to take charge of their health and to access the many services that are available to them. Together we are promoting healthy minds and bodies!”

 

Statement by John Brennan, Executive Director, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
"I would like to thank Mayor Hawkins for his vision in forming the collaboration between the City and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. The Orange Health and Wellness Alliance (OHWA) was formed for the purpose of providing primary care, health and wellness programs, and health education to the seniors of Orange who have limited income and access to care.  By creating a program with the City that addresses these basic needs, we are helping the seniors of Orange to maintain their health and retain that precious place in the lives of their families."