CHESTER COUNTY, PA — The YMCA of Greater Brandywine has again secured national recognition for medical fitness excellence, becoming the only YMCA organization in the United States — and the only fitness provider in Pennsylvania — to maintain certification as a Certified Medical Fitness Facility by the Medical Fitness Association.
The re-certification, announced this week, marks YGBW’s continued position among a select group of facilities nationwide that meet the MFA’s rigorous standards for integrating clinical oversight, safety, and evidence-based wellness programming.
“Medical Fitness certification is a rigorous and comprehensive process,” said Veronica Lopez, RN, YGBW’s vice president of health strategies. She added that earning re-certification reflects the organization’s dedication to helping residents recover from illness or injury and reducing the burden of chronic disease across Chester County.
The MFA evaluates nearly 200 criteria in determining certification status, including safety procedures, clinical integration, risk management, staff qualifications, chronic disease management, emergency readiness, and member outcomes. The MFA designation assures participants that programs are closely supervised, grounded in clinical evidence, and continually measured for effectiveness.
Bertram L. Lawson II, president and CEO of YGBW, said the certification enhances the organization’s mission. “As the only YMCA in the nation and fitness organization in Pennsylvania to earn this designation, I’m proud to lead our movement forward in this important work,” Lawson said.
YGBW offers a broad range of programs that support disease prevention and recovery, including LIVESTRONG for cancer survivors, A Matter of Balance for fall prevention, Enhance Fitness for functional mobility, and a blood pressure self-monitoring program designed to improve cardiovascular health. The organization also collaborates with healthcare providers to support patients as they transition out of clinical care.
In March, YGBW will pilot an expanded version of its A Matter of Balance program at its Coatesville branch. Through a partnership with Elite Therapy Solutions, participants will receive functional fitness evaluations conducted by a licensed physical therapist.
“Having a clinician perform a functional evaluation within the setting of the Y is game-changing,” Lopez said. She noted that the partnership allows the organization to “meet members where they are” and break down barriers to health.
By strengthening ties between fitness and clinical care, YGBW leaders say they hope to further reduce chronic disease rates and improve long-term health outcomes throughout Chester County.
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