YMCA Takes On America’s Health Problems

According to the YMCA’s new strategic plan, the nonprofit organization seeks to redefine itself as lead voice in what it terms America’s “ongoing lifestyle health crisis,” reports the Associated Press. In addition to its current youth and child-care programs, the YMCA is adding health programs geared toward members that struggle to maintain a weight-loss program.

Under the leadership of the YMCA of the USA, the parent group of the 967 local, independent YMCA associations, hundreds of Y’s are adopting the new Activate America program. This program entails retraining staff, redesigning facilities, and creating new activities to better serve a diverse clientele beyond the serious gym enthusiast.

Neil Nicoll, president of the YMCA of the USA, explains, “A lot of our population doesn’t respond to what your gym teacher told you.”

Additionally, the YMCA is working with civic groups in over 100 cities to combat obesity and sedentary behaviors as part of its Pioneering Healthier Communities Initiative.

Within four years, the YMCA aims to increase its clientele by 25 percent, to 25 million members.