The New Jersey YMCA State Alliance and the largest insurance provider in the state, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon), are teaming up to help more potential members join YMCAs across New Jersey and achieve a healthier lifestyle. The partnership between the organizations honors their commitment to promote healthy lifestyles.
Horizon insurance holders will receive a 15% discount on the cost of a monthly membership at over 50 participating branches. Horizon members also won’t be charged a joining fee and may qualify for more opportunities to save. Currently, this discount will run until the end of the year.
“The goal of the partnership is to extend the Y’s reach to more prospective members and people who aren’t currently engaged with the organization,” said Julie Gallanty, the CEO of New Jersey YMCA State Alliance. “Most people want to be healthier, and they need an incentive. This deepens the opportunity for us to have relationships with members and form a community.”
This initiative is only the most recent collaboration between the two organizations. They’ve been working together for the past 10 years to provide various programming. Some past examples include the Healthy U Initiative to combat childhood obesity and after school programs. The entities are also working together on future projects to improve mental health.
A Shared Mission
“Overall, we share a common goal and mission to support the health and well-being of people who live and work in New Jersey,” said Gallanty. “Our vision is to strengthen strategic partnerships that improve community health and equity for families across the state.”
Part of why this initiative began is because of the power community rec centers have to promote healthy lives. This industry is in a unique position to serve different facets of health including physical, mental and social. This initiative will help families across the state be healthier, which is a big takeaway for Gallanty.
“The Ys that have opted in to do this program are in all parts of New Jersey,” she explained. There are many different economic stratospheres, and I think that’s a great thing. It makes access to these organizations more equitable.”
Partnerships like these can have a strong impact on the communities they serve and help fulfill your mission. Collaborating with local organizations with similar goals can be the catalyst of true change.
“In future years, we’ll have more data to support the value of partnerships like this,” said Gallanty. “In our society, it’s really important to have these collaborations. None of us can make changes alone. We have to be willing to give, take and support each other so we can then support the community.”
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