The 2013 awards were presented to 14 healthcare organizations within two categories: “Programs of Excellence” and “Programs of Promise.”  To qualify for consideration, each nominee was required to demonstrate excellence in the following criteria areas: community impact, innovation, collaboration, transferability and best practice.  The Active•Fit Program was one of four winners in the Programs of Promise category.  Although too new to report sustainable impact data, each of the four winning programs demonstrated a clear vision for addressing underserved community health and prevention needs.

 

“We are pleased that the Active•Fit Program has been recognized as a promising youth wellness program, even in its infancy,” said LMHS President & CEO Rob Montagnese.  “We hope that as the program shows measurable results, it will become a template for other communities nationwide to reduce childhood obesity.”

 

The Active•Fit Youth Wellness Program, which began in September 2012, was created by LMHS and Newark Advocate Media in response to the rise of childhood obesity in the United States.  The year-round goal program aims to ensure healthy lifestyles and habits among Licking County youth, ages 6 to 12.  Participants and their parents may register for the free program online at www.ActiveFit.org.

 

Jackson Healthcare instituted the Hospital Charitable Services Awards in 2010 to identify notable healthcare programs, share their stories and make them models for other programs.  The organization is the third largest healthcare staffing company in the U.S., and serves more than 4 million patients in over 1,300 hospitals.  Jackson Healthcare also provides technology solutions that enable total hospital efficiency, and has earned national media coverage by providing innovative solutions to healthcare problems, in addition to championing local, national and international charitable work.