The Harvest Foundation Advances Wellness Through Various Initiatives
basset family practice, martinsville-henry county, martinsville-henry county coalition for health and wellness, memorial hospital, the harvest foundation,
Henry County is shaping up, thanks to a wealth of health and wellness programs supported by The Harvest Foundation. Using $59 million in funds generated from the 2002 sale of Memorial Hospital, the foundation researches and invests in programs and initiatives that address local health, education and welfare needs.
The Martinsville-Henry County Coalition for Health and Wellness is such an initiative. The coalition promotes health and reduces health risk factors through screenings, fitness activities, education and wellness programs. The organization also works to improve access to health services for the under-insured and uninsured. In 2008, the coalition celebrated the opening of Bassett Family Practice, an income-based community health center that provides primary medical and preventive care.
“People have to know how to take care of themselves,” says Barbara Jackman, executive director of the coalition. “We’re trying to help people help themselves through prevention, education, and helping them deal with management of everyday issues like medications and chronic illnesses.”
Another program changing lives is Activate Martinsville-Henry County. The three-year initiative is helping to make the region a more fun, healthy, and desirable place to live by promoting walking, bicycling, and other forms of physical activity among residents of all ages. Ongoing events include bike rodeos; a Sunday Stroll; the Commuter Challenge, hosted in partnership with the Coalition for Health and Wellness; and Lunch on
the Run, during which participants meet biweekly for 30-minute walking or biking events.
Activate Martinsville-Henry County Program Manager Jeannie Frisco says the group also has coordinated with local, regional and national organizations to develop a strategy to improve the region’s overall quality of life, economic vitality and sustainability.
“This program will be the catalyst for creating a healthier, safer and more active populace and community by increasing activity, improving infrastructure, and creating sustainable programs that will continue after the grant cycle,” Frisco says.
Story by Melanie Hill
