VALPARAISO – The Valparaiso Family YMCA and Methodist Hospitals have announced a new Healthcare Engagement Partnership.

The collaboration will bring wellness and comprehensive programs to the community designed to maintain a high level of well-being and healthy living through proper diet, exercise, stress management and illness prevention. Methodist staff members will provide services promoting proper diet, exercise, stress management and illness prevention.

In addition, there will be a relationship manager for wellness programs, clinical staff, a nutritionist, physical therapists and a physician, Dr. Hiren Italia.

The partnership, said Bob Wanek, CEO of the YMCA, and Ian McFadden, president and CEO of Methodist hospitals, works well because both non-profit organizations, and their missions are aligned.