YMCA and Novant Health collaborate to combat chronic diseases

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Novant Health and the YMCA of southeastern North Carolina are coming together to improve community wellness.

One big part of the initiative announced Monday is a focus on fighting and preventing chronic diseases. 

Novant Health and the YMCA of southeastern North Carolina are coming together to improve community wellness.  

President of Novant Health coastal region, Ernie Bovio says deciding to get together for this project was an easy choice.  

“Well, we are excited to announce this partnership. It really makes a lot of sense for us to join forces, we have the same purpose of serving this community. Attending to the health and wellness of our neighbors, friends, and our families. By doing this together, we’ll be able to have more of an impact in the community,” Bovio said.  

Bridget Carroll, the director of community health programs at the YMCA says the health screenings that this partnership will be able to offer will be an asset.  

“Having that partnership helps us get the referrals. It helps to find those that are at risk of maybe diabetes. We are able to do A1Cs, Novant can do blood sugars, cholesterol checks, so if someone is at risk of cardiovascular disease, we can certainly help screen them, then educate them on the preventative programs and chronic disease programs that RY has,” Carroll said.  

As part of the partnership, Novant Health can take its community care cruiser to YMCA events to offer screenings, vaccines, or primary care to the public.  

President and CEO of the YMCA of southeastern North Carolina, Dick Jones is excited to work with Novant Health and provide care to the public. 

“This partnership is reaching out to the community at large and saying if you have some issues or needs, we stand here ready to help…shoulder to shoulder with Novant Health and the YMCA,” Jones said.