YMCA and ChristianaCare partner to improve health statewide

The YMCA of Delaware is proud to announce a new partnership with ChristianaCare aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of teens and adults throughout Delaware. This collaborative initiative focuses on two key areas: behavioral health support for teens, and nutrition and weight-management seminars.

“At the YMCA, we believe that well-being is more than just physical fitness; it’s about supporting the whole person,” said Amy Desmond, director of healthy living and strategic partnerships at the YMCA of Delaware. “Partnering with ChristianaCare allows us to bring meaningful programs directly to our members and local youth, from behavioral health resources for teens to practical tools for healthy living. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier community.”

“At ChristianaCare, we believe in supporting the health and well-being of our community and making healthcare easy and convenient to access,” said Bettina Tweardy Riveros, chief health equity officer. “This partnership allows clinical experts from ChristianaCare to address both mental and physical health in a comprehensive way, helping teens and adults lead healthier, more balanced lives by meeting them in their own environment – at the YMCA.”

The partnership will introduce a series of nutrition and weight management seminars on a quarterly basis at no extra cost for YMCA of Delaware members. The workshops are open to the community as well.

“These workshops are crafted to offer practical advice and strategies for healthy living, with a special focus on weight management and nutrition,” said Bradley Sandella, DO, physician lead of the Medical Subspecialty Service Line at ChristianaCare. “Our goal is to empower individuals to make informed choices, fostering sustainable lifestyle changes and enhancing overall well-being.”

ChristianaCare will also launch free quarterly behavioral health seminars for teens at the Walnut Street YMCA through its T.H.R.I.V.E. program, designed to support holistic development of teens. Seminars will focus on important topics such as depression and anxiety, providing much-needed resources and support for youth ages 13-17.

“This partnership will allow ChristianaCare’s behavioral health professionals to connect with teens on critical issues like stress, anxiety and depression,” said Mustafa A. Mufti, MD, chair of the ChristianaCare Department of Psychiatry. “These seminars can enhance relationships and academic performance, while also empowering teens with vital life skills and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 1 in 5 teens in the U.S. experiences depression or anxiety, making these issues critical to address. The T.H.R.I.V.E. program, with support from ChristianaCare, aims to provide teens with the tools they need to navigate these challenges in a supportive environment.

Future plans include expanding these workshops and seminars to reach more teens, families and individuals in need of mental health support and nutrition guidance.

By combining ChristianaCare’s clinical expertise with the YMCA’s community-based approach, the initiative seeks to provide Delawareans with greater access to vital health resources.

For more information, email healthyliving@ymcade.org.