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ADMC receives United Way grant

Posted Monday, June 23, 2008

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From left are Stephanie Cone, Executive Director, United Way of Brazoria County; Dave Bleakney, Hospital Administrator/CEO for ADMC; Michael Washburn, Director of Community Resources/Wellness Center (ADMC).

Angleton Danbury Medical Center is pleased to announce their 2008-2009 Healthy Futures Program funded by The United Way of Brazoria County Community Building Grant. In partnership with the AgriLife Extension Service, Family Practice and Associates, and Angleton ISD, ADMC is administering the grant-funded program to 20 local students; providing them opportunity to transform their health through nutritional and physical education, that includes their key family members and support system.

"The United Way of Brazoria County is committed to investing in solutions that improve lives. Grants for programs that address critical needs in our community are a key strategy in our work. Angleton Danbury Medical Center's Healthy Futures Program will have a positive impact on the health and lives of children in our community. We are pleased to partner with the hospital by providing funding for a program that will strive to help give youth the knowledge they need to become healthy and stay healthy," said Stephanie Cone, Executive Director of United Way of Brazoria County.

Dave Bleakney, Hospital Administrator and CEO of ADMC said, "We are pleased that we can reinforce the mission statement of our hospital district through the "Healthy Futures" Program. The program will allow us to identify and educate not only our "at risk" youth / children but their key family members. The program will enable us to provide healthcare through a foundation of education, prevention and quality patient care."

The components of the Healthy program are targeted to promote physical activity, weight loss, learn good eating habits, and most importantly gain self-confidence. ADMC's Director of Wellness and Community Services, Michael Washburn and his team worked to design a program to meet the needs of children participating in this program.

Health care screenings by a local physician will determine the child's needs and any physical restriction or needs. Then they will begin a year-long fitness program personalized to their individual needs. The children and their family will participate in nutrition classes that teach them not only the importance of eating right but how to shop correctly and cook healthy snacks and meals.

According to Washburn, "Parents will be involved every step of the way since ultimately they buy the food their child eats. Healthy Futures will also include a peer group that will allow each child to share their struggles while maintaining a balance of eating right, physical activity and fun. Nationwide, childhood obesity is on the rise and we as a community have a responsibility to be proactive in dealing with this epidemic."

The pilot program begins in June 2008 and ends in May 2009. For more information on support groups, service lines, and healthy opportunities, contact ADMC's Community Resources Department at 979-848-9109.

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