The Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinical Services team at Southgate Providence see a need for preventative and ongoing care for their patients. They are passionate about the health and wellness of their patients and the community. They see their building as a future health and wellness hub of the Walla Walla Valley, full of wellness programs and projects.
Manager and Physical Therapist, Brian Duke, heard about Blue Zones Project and reached out to see if a partnership was possible. Brian met with BZP Engagement Lead, Rebecca Thorpe, and discussed several possibilities of partnership and they produced an initial plan to start an indoor walk and roll group. Duke pulled in Lead Physical Therapist, C.J. Zita, and Clinical Care Coordinator, Darcey Benzel, to get started. The team created a walking and rolling loop within the main building that was safe for people to use whether they are walking, using a walker, in a wheelchair, or using another aid for movement. They created a fun atmosphere every week during the fall and winter of 2022-23 where folks could move naturally and safely in the building. A lot of people also met new friends and became walking partners.
The walking loop is free and open to patients and community members alike and is immensely popular! So popular, that Southgate Providence decided to take over the walking group this winter and make it a permanent program in their building. Thanks to Southgate’s initiative and care for others, community members have a safe indoor space to walk and roll on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons / evenings.
In the future, the Southgate team has plans to start hosting healthy cooking classes, free exercise classes, and wellness classes. Thank you, Brian, Darcey, C.J., and extended team – Because of You, our community is more active!
