Initiatives
For the past three years, the YMCA has been working with the local Mitchell Wellness Initiative group with the goal of bringing a YMCA and healthy living programs to Mitchell County. In late 2018 the YMCA surveyed the people of Mitchell County to identify the facility and program needs. More than 1,300 people responded with interest in bringing a YMCA to Mitchell County.
While we continue to work towards a physical YMCA in Spruce Pine, the YMCA is delivering several Healthy Living and Community Outreach Programs throughout Mitchell and Yancey Counties. Learn more about our efforts below!
Healthy Living Center Staff
Jessica Thomas
Mitchell County Director of Healthy Living
Williams YMCA of Avery CountyHealthy Living Programs
Healthy Living Programs are low or no-cost evidence-based programs that help adults prevent the onset of chronic conditions or diseases. They can also help adults with chronic diseases learn how to manage and improve their health. Programs include interactive activities that promote healthy and active lifestyles and focus on common problems individuals may deal with every day. These programs aim to improve your quality of life while helping reduce healthcare costs by preventing or minimizing the effects of a disease.
Contact Jessica Thomas for more information or to register for an upcoming Healthy Living Program.
Healthy Aging programming at the Mitchell County Healthy Living Center is presented by Hopscotch Primary Care, which offers accessible healthcare for Medicare adults in rural communities. Learn more about the partnership here.
Delay The Disease for Parkinson’s PatientsEnhanceFitnessYMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program – Prevent T2LIVESTRONG at the YMCAFuture Programming
Delay the Disease – Parkinson’s Program
Each class coordinates movement, flexibility, strength, balance, and cardio fitness designed specifically for those with Parkinson’s Disease. Group encouragement and support sets this program apart from standard workout routines. Taught by trained instructors, this program has helped participants delay the onset of signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.
Where: Mitchell County Healthy Living Center
When: Tuesday & Thursday 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Who: Free for anyone diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease
Know of someone with Parkinson’s Disease who could benefit from exercising with others just like them? Contact Jessica Thomas.
Enhance®Fitness
A proven arthritis management program focused on fitness. Helping older adults become more active, energized, and empowered for independent living. The program focuses on cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance, which could help reduce the severity of arthritis symptoms in a group that is supportive and understanding – a vital part of anyone’s health and well-being. Enhance®Fitness has been nationally recognized by the CDC, Department of Health & Human Services, Department on Aging, and the National Council on Aging.
Where: Mitchell County Healthy Living Center
When: Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays;
Who: Anyone who has been diagnosed with arthritis or other mobility limitations
Start Dates:
-
- January 2025
- May 2025
- August 2025
For more information or to register, contact Jessica Thomas, Mitchell County Healthy Living Director.
YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program – Prevent T2
The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, Prevent T2, helps adults reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes through a CDC-approved curriculum and small group support facilitated by a trained Lifestyle Coach. Over the course of 25, 60-minute sessions, participants learn skills and tips on healthy eating, increasing physical activity, and behavior change. The group offers a supportive environment for participants to make social connections in addition to learning these skills. The program meets the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) diabetes prevention recognition program standards.
Where: Offered in-person or virtually through Mitchell County Healthy Living Center
When: To be determined by participant availability
Who: Adults who have been diagnosed with Pre-diabetes or meet the qualification criteria
Start Date: Feb. 2025
For more information or to register, contact Jessica Thomas, Mitchell County Healthy Living Director.
**Must be at least 18 years old with a BMI>25; Must also have been diagnosed with prediabetes, gestational diabetes or be at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes but not diagnosed with T1 or T2 diabetes.
LIVESTRONG® At the YMCA
Helping adult cancer survivors improve their strength and physical fitness, diminish the severity of therapy side effects, and develop supportive relationships to improve their quality of life. This program creates a welcoming community in which survivors can reclaim their health and well-being at their own pace.
Where: Mitchell County YMCA/ Healthy Living Center
When: TBD
Who: Anyone who has been diagnosed with Cancer, is undergoing treatment, or is in remission
Start Dates:
-
- September 2025
For more information or to register, contact Jessica Thomas, Mitchell County Healthy Living Director.
Stay Tuned For Future Program Offerings
Be on the lookout for opportunities to join:
- YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program (English and Spanish Offerings Coming Soon!)
For more information, contact Jessica Thomas, Mitchell County Healthy Living Director.
