On Wednesday, the Eugene Family YMCA announced a 10-year contract with PeaceHealth, centered on community wellness at the new YMCA location under construction at 24th and Hilyard in Eugene.
The contract comes after a $1.25 million dollar donation from PeaceHealth, naming the new facility the "PeaceHealth Wellness Center."
Brian Steffen, the Eugene Family YMCA's CEO, says the research and expertise PeaceHealth brings to the table could have a substantial impact on those who use the new Y facility.
"We'll form a joint programming committee where PeaceHealth medical experts will join with YMCA programming experts to look at the data in Lane County," Steffen said. "What is happening with health, and how can the organizations create new programs and expand existing programs that address the social determinants of health."
The partnership formed out of the mutual priority of addressing community health, and preventative healthcare in Lane County.
"Core to our mission is keeping people healthy, and not having to come to the hospital in the first place," said Todd Salnas, PeaceHealth's CEO. "We look at the Y, who has a hundred years of experience in taking care of the community. It's something we've also done [for] a long time, and we just feel like that partnership can really blossom and help us deliver on that mission, both of our core missions, really well."
The specific programs that will be built out of this committee haven't yet been decided.
With this additional donation, the total number of funds raised for the new Y facility is at $45.3 million. According to Steffen, there's still a $2.7 million funding gap, as the expected cost of the facility is $48-million. Addressing that remaining gap is a priority for the Y going forward.
"When the YMCA is built without debt, that funds that it raises can be reinvested in expanding disease and illness prevention programs," Steffen said. "Expanding youth programs, expanding programs for seniors, and expanding programs throughout Lane County."
The new Y facility is still on track to be completed by the end of this year.