Aultman Health Foundation - Working on Wellness Program

Overview

The Working on Wellness (WOW) program and its mobile health unit debuted in 2009 and is an important component of providing access to health care and leading the community to improved health. The popular “WOW van” is seen throughout the community visiting schools, community centers, churches, senior centers, summer camps, fairs, farmers’ markets, shelters, community events and neighborhoods to provide free health education and screenings including: blood pressure, height, weight, body mass index, and tobacco. All screenings are administered by clinical staff or registered nurses. Education on smoking cessation, healthy eating habits and hygiene are also provided. Those deemed at risk are referred to the hospital or to their primary care physician for additional care.

WOW has received numerous awards and recognitions in the community. The WOW team was honored at the Chamber of Commerce’s Community Salute Awards with the Award of Appreciation for enhancing the welfare of citizens through health screenings and health education. WOW reaches thousands of people and specific urban areas are targeted due to the high incidence of poverty and barriers to healthy living.

Impact

WOW’s impact has been monumental for those with limited access to health care. In 2015, WOW participated in 399 events, educated 25,789 individuals, and provided health screenings for 2,961 community members. Nearly 1,000 people received referrals for health care resources. Those surveyed indicated that 93 percent obtained new health knowledge and 54 percent were likely to change behavior.

Lessons Learned

Based on the most recent Health Needs Assessment, there is a need for early education and awareness on healthy eating habits and prevention. WOW fills a great need by targeting hard-to-reach populations, rural areas and the underserved. The community continues to demand WOW for free health screenings. Program leaders hope to improve the community’s willingness to participate in follow-up procedures to track health behaviors as WOW has capabilities to monitor repeat patients and their health status. WOW provides an access point to health care in minority communities, urban schools and rural settings.

Future Goals

WOW will continue to provide outreach to the community, increasing the hospital’s presence in medically underserved areas. The 2015 goal of growing outreach to the youth population is continuing in 2016. They also plan to add new partnerships and expand visits to more community sites. Aultman Orrville Hospital received a grant to obtain a new WOW van and plans to expand to more sites in that rural area.

Contact: Vicki Haines
Senior Vice President
Telephone: 330-363-4976
Email: vicki.haines@aultman.org