Parent company of LA Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio commits $250,000 annually to research initiatives in the USA

IRVINE, Calif., March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fitness International, LLC, the parent company of LA Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio, today announced a multi-year partnership with Wings for Life USA.  Wings for Life is a non-profit spinal cord research foundation with the single mission to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.

As part of the agreement, Fitness International will contribute $250,000 annually from 2026 through 2028, supporting the foundation’s research initiatives. Funds will be raised through a combination of direct corporate donations, sponsorships, and community fundraising activities across Fitness International clubs in the United States and Canada.

“Fitness is about more than physical strength; it’s about uniting people around the same mission. Through our partnership with Wings for Life, we have an opportunity to channel that collective energy into something truly meaningful,” said Jill Hill, President of Club Operations for Fitness International, “We, along with our members and team members across North America, are proud to support life-changing research aimed at curing spinal cord injuries. Together we can make a real and lasting impact.”

Fitness International clubs will support the initiative through member participation in the Wings for Life World Run, in-club events, and fundraising initiatives designed to raise awareness and generate support for spinal cord injury research.

The partnership will connect Fitness International’s United States and Canadian club communities with the Wings for Life World Run on May 10th, 2026, the world’s largest running event. Each year, using a unique competition format, participants run, walk, or roll at the very same time around the globe to raise money for spinal cord injury research. 

Instead of making their way towards the finish line, participants move in the opposite direction while being pursued by the iconic “Catcher Car,” that begins moving 30 minutes after the race starts. Once this moving finish line overtakes participants, individuals will have successfully completed their race, until the final participants are caught and crowned the global champions. 

“As Red Bull’s charity of choice, all administrative costs for the foundation are covered by Red Bull. That way, we are able to make a unique guarantee that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to funding research in the United States,” said Andrew Wagner, CEO of Wings for Life USA. “Partnerships with organizations like Fitness International amplify our impact, help us reach even more people, and bring us one step closer to finding a cure.” 

Through its network of clubs and millions of members, Fitness International is committed to mobilizing one of the largest fitness communities in North America to support this critically important cause and drive research forward.

About Fitness International

Fitness International, LLC has 673 health club locations across 26 U.S. states and Canada. Follow LA Fitness, Club Studio, and City Sports Club on Facebook, Instagram or by downloading the mobile app.

About Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation
Worldwide, millions of people are dependent on a wheelchair after having sustained a spinal cord injury, most often as the result of a traffic accident or a fall. Wings for Life is a non-profit spinal cord research foundation with the single mission to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Since 2004, Wings for Life has funded life-changing research projects and clinical trials around the globe. While a cure is still to be found, steady progress has been made. Wings for Life USA was recognized as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit foundation in 2017 to fund scientific research and clinical trials in the United States.

Media Contact: mediarelations@fitnessintl.com

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fitness-international-announces-multi-year-partnership-with-wings-for-life-to-support-spinal-cord-research-302722537.html

SOURCE Fitness International LLC

Parent company of LA Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio commits $250,000 annually to research initiatives in the USA

IRVINE, Calif., March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fitness International, LLC, the parent company of LA Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio, today announced a multi-year partnership with Wings for Life USA.  Wings for Life is a non-profit spinal cord research foundation with the single mission to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.

As part of the agreement, Fitness International will contribute $250,000 annually from 2026 through 2028, supporting the foundation’s research initiatives. Funds will be raised through a combination of direct corporate donations, sponsorships, and community fundraising activities across Fitness International clubs in the United States and Canada.

“Fitness is about more than physical strength; it’s about uniting people around the same mission. Through our partnership with Wings for Life, we have an opportunity to channel that collective energy into something truly meaningful,” said Jill Hill, President of Club Operations for Fitness International, “We, along with our members and team members across North America, are proud to support life-changing research aimed at curing spinal cord injuries. Together we can make a real and lasting impact.”

Fitness International clubs will support the initiative through member participation in the Wings for Life World Run, in-club events, and fundraising initiatives designed to raise awareness and generate support for spinal cord injury research.

The partnership will connect Fitness International’s United States and Canadian club communities with the Wings for Life World Run on May 10th, 2026, the world’s largest running event. Each year, using a unique competition format, participants run, walk, or roll at the very same time around the globe to raise money for spinal cord injury research. 

Instead of making their way towards the finish line, participants move in the opposite direction while being pursued by the iconic “Catcher Car,” that begins moving 30 minutes after the race starts. Once this moving finish line overtakes participants, individuals will have successfully completed their race, until the final participants are caught and crowned the global champions. 

“As Red Bull’s charity of choice, all administrative costs for the foundation are covered by Red Bull. That way, we are able to make a unique guarantee that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to funding research in the United States,” said Andrew Wagner, CEO of Wings for Life USA. “Partnerships with organizations like Fitness International amplify our impact, help us reach even more people, and bring us one step closer to finding a cure.” 

Through its network of clubs and millions of members, Fitness International is committed to mobilizing one of the largest fitness communities in North America to support this critically important cause and drive research forward.

About Fitness International

Fitness International, LLC has 673 health club locations across 26 U.S. states and Canada. Follow LA Fitness, Club Studio, and City Sports Club on Facebook, Instagram or by downloading the mobile app.

About Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation
Worldwide, millions of people are dependent on a wheelchair after having sustained a spinal cord injury, most often as the result of a traffic accident or a fall. Wings for Life is a non-profit spinal cord research foundation with the single mission to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Since 2004, Wings for Life has funded life-changing research projects and clinical trials around the globe. While a cure is still to be found, steady progress has been made. Wings for Life USA was recognized as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit foundation in 2017 to fund scientific research and clinical trials in the United States.

Media Contact: mediarelations@fitnessintl.com

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fitness-international-announces-multi-year-partnership-with-wings-for-life-to-support-spinal-cord-research-302722537.html

SOURCE Fitness International LLC

Story follows a young woman’s search for independence amid war, suspicion and social change

CLEMSON, S.C., March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In his latest historical novel, “The Way I See Him: A Homefront Romance,” Kelly Durham takes readers to wartime New Orleans during the early years of World War II, following a young woman seeking a fresh start. Weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and following a personal scandal, Lizzie Scott leaves her small hometown determined to rebuild her life in the Crescent City, where her brother already resides.

In “The Way I See Him,” Lizzie finds work with a defense contractor, settles into a boarding house and becomes involved in an unexpected romance with her brother’s shipmate, Juan Acosta. As the war intensifies, she and her colleagues navigate bureaucracy, betrayal and espionage while supporting the nation’s military efforts. Amid the uncertainties of wartime, Lizzie confronts questions of trust and doubt as she weighs love against loyalty and forgiveness. Durham hopes to reach readers who are interested in World War II and its lasting impact on American society, particularly the ways wartime conditions opened doors for women and minorities.

“World War II was transformative not only on a geo-political level but upon American society as well,” Durham said. “Many social advances still evolving in America today have their roots in World War II.”

Durham has written or co-written 14 historical novels set in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s and has authored nearly 500 articles profiling heroes honored on Clemson University’s Scroll of Honor. His previous novel, “The Movie Star and Me,” also draws on mid-20th century settings, reflecting his continued focus on American life and history during that era.

“I think this book will appeal to readers because it presents an accurate depiction of the American home front as the setting for a compelling romance,” Durham said.

“The Way I See Him: A Homefront Romance”

By Kelly Durham

ISBN: 9781665785068 (softcover); 9781665785075 (electronic)

Available at Archway Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author

Kelly Durham lives in Clemson, S.C. He is married to the former Yvonne Spiva of Oakway, S.C. and they are the parents of three adult daughters. Durham grew up in Clemson, graduating from D. W. Daniel High School in 1976 and Clemson University, with honor, in 1980. He served four years in the United States Army with assignments in Arizona and Germany before returning to Clemson and entering private business in 1986. In 2020, he earned a master’s degree from Arizona State University. To learn more, please visit https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/869102-the-way-i-see-him.

General Inquiries:

LAVIDGE – Phoenix

Cydney De Los Santos

cdelossantos@lavidge.com 

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SOURCE Archway Publishing

Story follows a young woman’s search for independence amid war, suspicion and social change

CLEMSON, S.C., March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In his latest historical novel, “The Way I See Him: A Homefront Romance,” Kelly Durham takes readers to wartime New Orleans during the early years of World War II, following a young woman seeking a fresh start. Weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and following a personal scandal, Lizzie Scott leaves her small hometown determined to rebuild her life in the Crescent City, where her brother already resides.

In “The Way I See Him,” Lizzie finds work with a defense contractor, settles into a boarding house and becomes involved in an unexpected romance with her brother’s shipmate, Juan Acosta. As the war intensifies, she and her colleagues navigate bureaucracy, betrayal and espionage while supporting the nation’s military efforts. Amid the uncertainties of wartime, Lizzie confronts questions of trust and doubt as she weighs love against loyalty and forgiveness. Durham hopes to reach readers who are interested in World War II and its lasting impact on American society, particularly the ways wartime conditions opened doors for women and minorities.

“World War II was transformative not only on a geo-political level but upon American society as well,” Durham said. “Many social advances still evolving in America today have their roots in World War II.”

Durham has written or co-written 14 historical novels set in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s and has authored nearly 500 articles profiling heroes honored on Clemson University’s Scroll of Honor. His previous novel, “The Movie Star and Me,” also draws on mid-20th century settings, reflecting his continued focus on American life and history during that era.

“I think this book will appeal to readers because it presents an accurate depiction of the American home front as the setting for a compelling romance,” Durham said.

“The Way I See Him: A Homefront Romance”

By Kelly Durham

ISBN: 9781665785068 (softcover); 9781665785075 (electronic)

Available at Archway Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author

Kelly Durham lives in Clemson, S.C. He is married to the former Yvonne Spiva of Oakway, S.C. and they are the parents of three adult daughters. Durham grew up in Clemson, graduating from D. W. Daniel High School in 1976 and Clemson University, with honor, in 1980. He served four years in the United States Army with assignments in Arizona and Germany before returning to Clemson and entering private business in 1986. In 2020, he earned a master’s degree from Arizona State University. To learn more, please visit https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/869102-the-way-i-see-him.

General Inquiries:

LAVIDGE – Phoenix

Cydney De Los Santos

cdelossantos@lavidge.com 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-historical-novel-set-in-world-war-ii-new-orleans-highlights-romance-and-loyalty-302722475.html

SOURCE Archway Publishing

CHICAGO, March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ziegler, a specialty investment bank, is pleased to announce the addition of Nancy Hooks as Catholic Elder Care and Post-Acute Specialist for the firm’s Senior Living Finance Practice.

Hooks joins Ziegler from LeadingAge National, where she served as Senior Vice President of Member and State Partnerships. During her 25-year tenure, she was the primary national liaison to 36 state partner associations representing 41 states. In this role, she built and sustained strong relationships with state association staff and board leadership, contributed to the development of both state and national strategic plans, supported executive leadership transitions, and led national recruitment and retention initiatives for LeadingAge members.

Prior to LeadingAge National, Hooks spent eight years with LeadingAge New York, where she focused on policy and advocacy related to housing and community-based services for older adults. Her expertise in senior housing led to her appointment as Co-Chair of the Congressional Commission on Affordable Housing and Health Care Needs of Seniors in the 21st Century, which produced a comprehensive report to Congress following its two-year convening.

“I’m thrilled to join Ziegler and continue supporting organizations that are committed to serving older adults and strengthening communities,” said Nancy Hooks. “Ziegler has a long-standing reputation in the senior living and faith-based sectors, and I look forward to collaborating with clients and partners to help them advance their missions.”

“It’s an honor to welcome Nancy to Ziegler following her distinguished career at LeadingAge and her longstanding dedication to the senior living sector,” said Dan Hermann, President and CEO of Ziegler. “We look forward to integrating Nancy’s deep sector knowledge and relationships into our team.”

For more information about Ziegler, please visit us at www.ziegler.com.

About Ziegler:
Ziegler is a privately held, national boutique investment bank, capital markets and proprietary investments firm. It has a unique focus on healthcare, senior living and education sectors, as well as general municipal and structured finance. Headquartered in Chicago with regional and branch offices throughout the U.S., Ziegler provides its clients with capital raising, strategic advisory services, fixed income sales, underwriting and trading as well as Ziegler Credit, Surveillance and Analytics. To learn more, visit www.ziegler.com.

Certain comments in this news release represent forward-looking statements made pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This client’s experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients, nor is it indicative of future performance or success. The forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, in particular, the overall financial health of the securities industry, the strength of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy and the municipal securities marketplace, the ability of the Company to underwrite and distribute securities, the market value of mutual fund portfolios and separate account portfolios advised by the Company, the volume of sales by its retail brokers, the outcome of pending litigation, and the ability to attract and retain qualified employees.

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SOURCE Ziegler

(PRNewsfoto/American Water)

CAMDEN, N.J., March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., announced today that it has again donated $250,000 to the American Red Cross, continuing its membership in the Disaster Responder Program. Proactively funding disaster relief helps ensure the Red Cross is better prepared to meet the needs of those affected by disasters, both big and small, across the U.S.

“We at the American Red Cross of New Jersey are grateful to have partners like American Water Charitable Foundation. Their support enables us to provide relief and hope to those affected by disasters large and small,” said Wendy Vara, Regional Executive, American Red Cross New Jersey Region.

The Disaster Responder Program is a group of organizations and companies that take a proactive approach toward disaster relief. Members of this program pledge donations in advance of disasters. These donations power the Red Cross with strong infrastructure, trained volunteers, innovative technology, and critical resources necessary to provide relief and support when disasters occur.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is delighted to continue its support of the Red Cross’ mission and efforts to aid communities in crisis,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation and American Red Cross Southern New Jersey Chapter Board Member. “Prompt disaster response helps communities recover more effectively and become more resilient.”

The Foundation supports three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. Funding for the American Red Cross is provided by the Foundation’s Disaster Relief Grant Program, which supports disaster response and relief efforts in communities served by American Water nationwide.

In addition, American Water’s Military Services Group has awarded Foundation State Strategic Impact grants to the American Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces, supporting military members, veterans and their families as they prepare for and respond to the challenges of military service.

Employee volunteers also strengthen this partnership through coordinated blood drives, serving on regional boards, and engaging in a range of additional Red Cross initiatives.

Since 2012, the American Water Charitable Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts that positively benefit the communities where American Water and its employees live and work. Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation here.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.

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SOURCE American Water

ROSEMONT, Ill., March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 awards honoring excellence and outstanding achievement in orthopaedics. The Impact Award, Humanitarian Award, and William W. Tipton, Jr., MD, Leadership Award recognizes individuals whose work has advanced musculoskeletal care, strengthened the profession and improved the lives of patients worldwide.

“AAOS is honored to recognize the impact of these three distinguished members of our profession,” said AAOS President Wilford K. Gibson, MD, FAAOS. “This year’s recipients have chosen to not only practice orthopaedics, but to dedicate themselves to affecting change within the specialty, among the people who practice it, and the patients they serve. Their efforts and dedication should be an example to us all.”

AAOS Impact Award Recipient

Erica D. Taylor, MD, MBA, FAAOS, a board-certified orthopaedic hand surgeon at Duke Health, was awarded the 2026 AAOS Impact Award for her leadership in expanding access to orthopaedic care and strengthening pathways into the profession across the United States. A nationally recognized clinical and systems leader, Dr. Taylor committed to a career in orthopaedic surgery at age 15, inspired by her mother, a lifelong educator, and her father, NFL Hall of Famer Charley Taylor.

At Duke Health, Dr. Taylor serves as vice president of health equity and vice chair of culture, engagement and impact within the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, leading strategy at the intersection of quality, clinical operations and access to care. She also serves on the faculty at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, teaching organizational dynamics and the delivery of high-quality care across diverse communities. She is the founder of a national leadership consortium that equips clinicians and health care leaders with practical tools to strengthen the orthopaedic workforce and improve care delivery.

Over the years, she has mentored hundreds of students, residents and early-career surgeons and has partnered with institutions nationwide to develop scalable strategies that advance the field. Her work has also influenced how orthopaedic leaders and medtech partners collaborate, strengthening alignment between innovation, clinical practice and patient care. Through her leadership, mentorship and systems-based approach, Dr. Taylor is helping build the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons, improve care delivery and prepare the field for the future.

According to Micah K. Sinclair, MD, FAAOS, a pediatric orthopaedic hand surgeon at Shriners Children’s Northern California, “I have observed Dr. Taylor in a variety of different leadership roles, both in her hospital institution and in national organizations, always delivering a clear message of inclusion. Dr. Taylor thinks outside of the box and continually works to educate herself and those around her, fostering competence and inclusivity in the delivery of compassionate and humanistic care.”

AAOS Humanitarian Award Recipient

Gregory M. Mundis Jr., MD, FAAOS, received the AAOS 2026 Humanitarian Award for his outstanding musculoskeletal-related humanitarian work in the United States and abroad. He is a professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Scripps Clinic in San Diego, Calif., president of the San Diego Spine Foundation, director of the San Diego Spine Fellowship, and a board member of Global Spine Outreach.

Raised in a missionary family and inspired by early experiences abroad, Dr. Mundis has dedicated his career to providing life-saving spine deformity care for children who would otherwise have no access. He has led medical mission programs in Mexico, South America, Eastern Europe, and Africa, establishing sustainable sites, hosting deformity symposia, and training surgeons to continue these efforts. Working closely with local surgeons, hospital partners, and his own GSO team, he emphasizes collaboration and mentorship as keys to lasting impact.

Committed to inspiring the next generation, Dr. Mundis offers clinical fellows in his program the opportunity to participate in at least one medical mission trip during training, ensuring that his humanitarian work creates a legacy of service and leadership.

According to Behrooz A. Akbarnia, MD, FAAOS, clinical professor at University of California, San Diego, “Dr. Mundis leads with poise, joy, energy, and a spirit of selflessness that is truly contagious. I have had the privilege of watching him grow into an extraordinary surgeon and leader, and I am better for having been part of that journey. Dr. Mundis is a living example of what it means to be a true humanitarian.”

William W. Tipton, Jr., MD, Leadership Award

Kristy L. Weber, MD, FAAOS, has been awarded the 2026 William W. Tipton, Jr., MD, Leadership Award, becoming the first woman to receive the honor. The Tipton Leadership Award honors AAOS Active Fellows or Candidate Members who demonstrate outstanding leadership benefiting the orthopaedic community, patients, and the American public.

A nationally and internationally recognized leader, Dr. Weber served as the first woman president of the AAOS Board of Directors in 2019 and has held leadership roles with the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society, and the International Orthopaedic Diversity Alliance. During her AAOS presidency, she advanced governance reform, strengthened organizational structure, and helped launch a new strategic plan. She also built and led high-performing, multidisciplinary sarcoma programs at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Pennsylvania, earning national recognition for clinical excellence and research, including the Kappa Delta Award.

Beyond orthopaedics, Dr. Weber recently pursued climate and environmental initiatives in medicine, and she continues to champion diversity and mentorship as president of the Perry Initiative Board of Directors. Her work has been recognized with awards for professionalism and advancement of women in medicine, underscoring her lasting impact on the field.

According to AAOS Second Vice President Elizabeth G. Matzkin, MD, FAAOS, “Throughout her career, Dr. Weber has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the field of orthopaedic surgery for patients, colleagues, and future generations of leaders. Her leadership is not defined by rhetoric but by meaningful action. She has devoted countless hours in service roles and leadership positions, consistently working to strengthen the culture of orthopaedics and to expand opportunity for women and underrepresented minorities. With Dr. Weber, there are no empty words or promises — only sustained impact.”

To learn more about the 2026 AAOS Award recipients or to schedule an interview, email media@aaos.org. Read more about the AAOS Member Recognition Awards criteria here.

About AAOS
With more than 39,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is the world’s largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists. AAOS is the trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal health. It provides the highest quality, most comprehensive education to help orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals at every career level to best treat patients in their daily practices. AAOS is the source for information on bone and joint conditions, treatments, and related musculoskeletal health care issues; and it leads the health care discussion on advancing quality.

Follow the AAOS on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Originally published on TriplePundit.

Amy Brown February 27, 2026

It’s not often that landing in the hospital is a stroke of good luck. For Charmaine, who faced multiple health issues and the recent loss of two sons, it was a godsend. It was there that the Camden, New Jersey, resident learned she qualified for a community-based healthcare system called the Healthy Neighbor program.

The hospital contacted the Healthy Neighbor team, and soon, Charmaine was sitting in her home with community health worker Fanny Ochoa instead. As they chatted, Ochoa determined that Charmaine needed help to manage her type 2 diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). That also meant finding an affordable housing solution, and taking care of her mental and emotional health amidst overwhelming grief after the loss of her sons.

Ochoa told Charmaine that she would support her over the next year to improve all aspects of her health and well-being. Now, they were a team.

“She was just everything that I needed at the time,” Charmaine told TriplePundit. “My sugar is under control, and my COPD is not an issue. And I live in a beautiful new apartment, thanks to the program.”

Healthcare beyond the doctor’s office

The Healthy Neighbor program, led by healthcare provider Virtua Health and supported by global medical technology company Medtronic and Medtronic LABS, recognizes that health goes beyond medicine and visits to the doctor. A person’s wellbeing is just as much shaped by where they live, their opportunities and their challenges.

The aim is to build the kind of trust that tackles both the clinical and social determinants of health by pairing community health workers directly with patients over a long period of time. The program targets adults with type 2 diabetes or hypertension, providing up to one year of monthly home visits to identify and address barriers to their health.

Charmaine’s story reflects a larger crisis in Camden. In the city of 70,000, residents live up to 16 years less than people just 6 miles away. Many of the significant, long-standing health disparities are driven by poverty and environmental factors. By bringing technology and trust directly to people’s homes, the program addresses root causes of poor health, and it’s working.

Ochoa was able to support Charmaine in a more sustainable way by considering every aspect of her life as a part of her treatment. To help manage her diabetes, Ochoa provided Charmaine with a tiny wearable sensor that provides real-time, continuous glucose monitoring. She also encouraged her to apply to live at Oliver Station, an affordable housing solution with on-site primary care in Camden developed by the Michaels Organization and Virtua Health.

“I am so grateful to [Ochoa] and the program. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here,” Charmaine said. “She’s been with me every step of the way. My new home is beautiful. I just thank God for this program because they have helped me so much.”

La Shawn Dutton-Spruill, a community health worker with Healthy Neighbor, can recount similar success stories. Dutton-Spruill met her patient Denise while she was living in a condemned building with uncontrolled hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Denise was missing doctor’s appointments, skipping medications and falling through the cracks of the system.

In the initial assessment, she checked Denise’s basic health vitals but also discussed other aspects of her situation, including housing and access to healthy food. Together, they came up with goals. Every two weeks, Dutton-Spruill checked in.

Healthy food access is very important for people with a food-impacted chronic condition like diabetes, Dutton-Spruill said. If patients are struggling to access it, Healthy Neighbor connects them with Virtua Health’s Eat Well program, which delivers fresh fruits and vegetables to underserved areas. They can purchase items with “food bucks” provided by the program, their federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or a debit card.

Today, Denise is living in safe housing, manages her prescriptions, and is stabilizing her hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

“She’s just a totally different person. The program turned her all the way around,” Dutton-Spruill said. “She was suffering from depression, and now, she’s going out on the weekends. She’s very happy, meeting the program’s expectations and living her life to the fullest.”

Denise and Charmaine are part of the 74 percent of patients with uncontrolled hypertension who saw a meaningful improvement in blood pressure control after participating in Healthy Neighbor. Just under 70 percent of type 2 diabetic patients in the program saw a drop in blood sugar levels, too.

A model others can copy

Healthy Neighbor can’t solve such a complex set of problems entirely on its own, so it partners with local organizations like nonprofits, food banks and other clinical organizations.

“If a patient is currently experiencing homelessness, before we can even talk about reducing their blood sugar levels or hypertension, we need to figure out how to get them to a better and more reliable housing situation,” said Daniel Master, director of community health and impact at Virtua Health. “Our team has done a great job of connecting numerous patients to housing options within the city, and then, we see measurable clinical improvements that follow from there.”

Learning about the wide range of support locally available to them can be life-changing for the people the program serves, Master said. “These are patients who traditionally have not had as much access to or understanding of the larger health systems as patients from other communities.”

The goal is a long-term solution to people’s ongoing health that they can uphold themselves after the year-long program ends. “We bring all of those resources to patients so that their care can be sustainable,” Master said. “We know that our intervention is up to 12 months, and a lot is going to happen after that year.”

The program is expanding locally thanks to a grant from the city of Camden to grow the community health worker team and reach more patients. And Virtua Health and Medtronic LABS released a toolkit to help hospitals nationwide to replicate the model. Meanwhile, plans to expand the program beyond Camden are also in the works.

“Our hypothesis for why we are so successful is because we are addressing the social and clinical factors of health in one model and leveraging the resources of a large health system,” Master said. “We want to open source it because we know what we’re doing is unique.”

One thing standing in the way of that growth is the lack of a reliable reimbursement mechanism to fund the services of community health workers in the same way that nutrition and education services are funded by insurers, Master said.

Limited awareness that a model like this is an option is another. “Community health workers have been deployed in many health systems and in many environments. But not, we believe, in the way that we’re deploying them,” Master said. “In terms of sustainability that is the key.”

Housing, financial challenges and health food access will continue to be a perennial issue for communities, Master said. “There’s still a lot more that could be done by having healthcare work with the government and social service sector. We believe we are paving the way for what that could look like,” he added. “We know that this is an intervention that works.”

Editor’s Note: Program participants are referred to by their first name to protect patient privacy. This story was updated on March 3, 2026.

Originally published on TriplePundit.

Amy Brown February 27, 2026

It’s not often that landing in the hospital is a stroke of good luck. For Charmaine, who faced multiple health issues and the recent loss of two sons, it was a godsend. It was there that the Camden, New Jersey, resident learned she qualified for a community-based healthcare system called the Healthy Neighbor program.

The hospital contacted the Healthy Neighbor team, and soon, Charmaine was sitting in her home with community health worker Fanny Ochoa instead. As they chatted, Ochoa determined that Charmaine needed help to manage her type 2 diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). That also meant finding an affordable housing solution, and taking care of her mental and emotional health amidst overwhelming grief after the loss of her sons.

Ochoa told Charmaine that she would support her over the next year to improve all aspects of her health and well-being. Now, they were a team.

“She was just everything that I needed at the time,” Charmaine told TriplePundit. “My sugar is under control, and my COPD is not an issue. And I live in a beautiful new apartment, thanks to the program.”

Healthcare beyond the doctor’s office

The Healthy Neighbor program, led by healthcare provider Virtua Health and supported by global medical technology company Medtronic and Medtronic LABS, recognizes that health goes beyond medicine and visits to the doctor. A person’s wellbeing is just as much shaped by where they live, their opportunities and their challenges.

The aim is to build the kind of trust that tackles both the clinical and social determinants of health by pairing community health workers directly with patients over a long period of time. The program targets adults with type 2 diabetes or hypertension, providing up to one year of monthly home visits to identify and address barriers to their health.

Charmaine’s story reflects a larger crisis in Camden. In the city of 70,000, residents live up to 16 years less than people just 6 miles away. Many of the significant, long-standing health disparities are driven by poverty and environmental factors. By bringing technology and trust directly to people’s homes, the program addresses root causes of poor health, and it’s working.

Ochoa was able to support Charmaine in a more sustainable way by considering every aspect of her life as a part of her treatment. To help manage her diabetes, Ochoa provided Charmaine with a tiny wearable sensor that provides real-time, continuous glucose monitoring. She also encouraged her to apply to live at Oliver Station, an affordable housing solution with on-site primary care in Camden developed by the Michaels Organization and Virtua Health.

“I am so grateful to [Ochoa] and the program. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here,” Charmaine said. “She’s been with me every step of the way. My new home is beautiful. I just thank God for this program because they have helped me so much.”

La Shawn Dutton-Spruill, a community health worker with Healthy Neighbor, can recount similar success stories. Dutton-Spruill met her patient Denise while she was living in a condemned building with uncontrolled hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Denise was missing doctor’s appointments, skipping medications and falling through the cracks of the system.

In the initial assessment, she checked Denise’s basic health vitals but also discussed other aspects of her situation, including housing and access to healthy food. Together, they came up with goals. Every two weeks, Dutton-Spruill checked in.

Healthy food access is very important for people with a food-impacted chronic condition like diabetes, Dutton-Spruill said. If patients are struggling to access it, Healthy Neighbor connects them with Virtua Health’s Eat Well program, which delivers fresh fruits and vegetables to underserved areas. They can purchase items with “food bucks” provided by the program, their federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or a debit card.

Today, Denise is living in safe housing, manages her prescriptions, and is stabilizing her hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

“She’s just a totally different person. The program turned her all the way around,” Dutton-Spruill said. “She was suffering from depression, and now, she’s going out on the weekends. She’s very happy, meeting the program’s expectations and living her life to the fullest.”

Denise and Charmaine are part of the 74 percent of patients with uncontrolled hypertension who saw a meaningful improvement in blood pressure control after participating in Healthy Neighbor. Just under 70 percent of type 2 diabetic patients in the program saw a drop in blood sugar levels, too.

A model others can copy

Healthy Neighbor can’t solve such a complex set of problems entirely on its own, so it partners with local organizations like nonprofits, food banks and other clinical organizations.

“If a patient is currently experiencing homelessness, before we can even talk about reducing their blood sugar levels or hypertension, we need to figure out how to get them to a better and more reliable housing situation,” said Daniel Master, director of community health and impact at Virtua Health. “Our team has done a great job of connecting numerous patients to housing options within the city, and then, we see measurable clinical improvements that follow from there.”

Learning about the wide range of support locally available to them can be life-changing for the people the program serves, Master said. “These are patients who traditionally have not had as much access to or understanding of the larger health systems as patients from other communities.”

The goal is a long-term solution to people’s ongoing health that they can uphold themselves after the year-long program ends. “We bring all of those resources to patients so that their care can be sustainable,” Master said. “We know that our intervention is up to 12 months, and a lot is going to happen after that year.”

The program is expanding locally thanks to a grant from the city of Camden to grow the community health worker team and reach more patients. And Virtua Health and Medtronic LABS released a toolkit to help hospitals nationwide to replicate the model. Meanwhile, plans to expand the program beyond Camden are also in the works.

“Our hypothesis for why we are so successful is because we are addressing the social and clinical factors of health in one model and leveraging the resources of a large health system,” Master said. “We want to open source it because we know what we’re doing is unique.”

One thing standing in the way of that growth is the lack of a reliable reimbursement mechanism to fund the services of community health workers in the same way that nutrition and education services are funded by insurers, Master said.

Limited awareness that a model like this is an option is another. “Community health workers have been deployed in many health systems and in many environments. But not, we believe, in the way that we’re deploying them,” Master said. “In terms of sustainability that is the key.”

Housing, financial challenges and health food access will continue to be a perennial issue for communities, Master said. “There’s still a lot more that could be done by having healthcare work with the government and social service sector. We believe we are paving the way for what that could look like,” he added. “We know that this is an intervention that works.”

Editor’s Note: Program participants are referred to by their first name to protect patient privacy. This story was updated on March 3, 2026.

New Jersey American Water Logo (PRNewsfoto/American Water)

CAMDEN, N.J., March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — New Jersey American Water today announced that it, along with its employees, provided more than $1.6 million through grants, charitable contributions, and program support to New Jersey organizations last year. With an additional $509,500 from the American Water Charitable Foundation, total charitable support topped $2.2 million, as detailed in the company’s 2025 Community Impact Report.  

“Our commitment to New Jersey goes far beyond our infrastructure,” said Mark McDonough, President of New Jersey American Water. “Together, with the American Water Charitable Foundation, we’re investing in programs that drive meaningful, lasting impact across the communities we proudly call home.”

In 2025, New Jersey American Water proudly contributed approximately:

  • $78,000 to 29 local fire and public safety organizations;
  • $75,500 to 11 environmental-focused projects or programs;
  • $47,000 to eight health and wellness and other related organizations; and
  • $38,000 to eight education and workforce development
  • $277,900 to 38 organizations working in the area of community sustainability, plus a Neighborhood Tax Revitalization Credit grant for $950,000.

The company also contributed over $235,000 to help its customers through its H2O Help to Others assistance program, a resource that has been available for customers for more than 20 years.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to support eligible nonprofit partners in advancing impactful initiatives and projects across New Jersey,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “Our charitable focus to Keep Communities Flowing empowers employees to get involved and help strengthen communities served by American Water.”

The American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water.

About American Water
 American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About New Jersey American Water 
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 875 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 3 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram

About the American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.

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SOURCE American Water