MyChart®
Program designed by Open Source Wellness connects TrueCare patients with coaching, wellness support and community connection at the Y
Media Contact: Kate Miller, Beck Ellman Heald, kate@behmedia.com, 858-242-2165
TrueCare is expanding its commitment to whole-person care through Community as Medicine®, an evidence-based wellness program designed by Open Source Wellness and made available locally through a partnership with the Joe and Mary Mottino Family YMCA in Oceanside. The program moves healthcare beyond the exam room, connecting patients with coaching, social support and healthy lifestyle resources designed to improve long-term health outcomes.
“TrueCare is committed to building innovative partnerships that support the long-term health and well-being of our patients beyond traditional health care settings,” said TrueCare President & CEO Michelle Gonzalez. “Programs like Community as Medicine demonstrate the power of collaboration between health care providers and community organizations, helping patients take an active role in their health while expanding access to the support systems that help people thrive.”
Community as Medicine is a group-based coaching model developed by Open Source Wellness in collaboration with community and health care partners nationwide to help participants build sustainable habits related to physical activity, nutrition, stress management and community connection. Open Source Wellness helped unite TrueCare and the YMCA of San Diego County around a shared goal: connecting patients with the coaching, support and community resources needed to improve long-term health and well-being.
“For generations, the YMCA has helped people build healthier lives through physical activity, social connection and a sense of belonging,” said Todd Tibbits, CEO of the YMCA of San Diego County. “Community as Medicine brings those strengths together in a new way. Through our partnership with TrueCare, we’re helping people build healthy habits, strengthen connections and access the support they need to thrive beyond the doctor’s office.”
A 2024 outcomes summary from Open Source Wellness shows measurable health improvements among program participants, including an average reduction in blood pressure of 19 points, a 51% increase in weekly exercise, and a 26% increase in daily fruit and vegetable consumption. Participants also reported a 43% decrease in depression and a 20% reduction in social isolation. In addition, emergency department visits among participants decreased by 77%.
“Community as Medicine helps us support patients in ways that extend beyond clinical visits alone,” said Dr. Jorge Otañez, associate chief medical officer at TrueCare. “By partnering with the YMCA, patients can access valuable resources that encourage healthier habits, reduce stress and strengthen social connection, all of which can play an important role in improving long-term health outcomes.”
In Oceanside, participating TrueCare patients shared that Community as Medicine helped them sleep better, feel happier and live more confidently after just three weeks in the program. Participants come from a variety of backgrounds and communities, including individuals experiencing homelessness and others traveling from as far away as Perris to participate. As interest in the program continues to grow, TrueCare and the YMCA hope to expand Community as Medicine in the region.
TrueCare patients interested in joining the program are encouraged to speak with their provider about referral opportunities.
About TrueCare
For over 50 years, TrueCare has remained steadfast in its commitment to patients, their families, and its communities. As a nonprofit community health center, TrueCare is dedicated to delivering a superior and compassionate health care experience to nearly 70,000 patients every year, reducing barriers and increasing accessibility to quality care. TrueCare serves its communities in San Diego and Riverside Counties through its 27 health centers and WIC offices, providing primary care, pediatric, women’s health, behavioral health, dental, chiropractic, acupuncture, podiatry, and cardiology services to everyone, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. In addition, TrueCare offers many other support services such as mobile services, transportation to clinic appointments, insurance enrollment assistance, weekly food distributions, and nutrition programs. For more information, please visit truecare.org.
About YMCA of San Diego County
The YMCA of San Diego County is one of the largest Y associations in the nation, serving over 400,000 San Diego County residents and employing more than 4,500 people. Through a variety of programs and services focused on community well-being and belonging, the Y unites individuals – regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA of San Diego County nurtures a healthy spirit, mind, and body so all can thrive while honoring our faith-based heritage. Visit www.ymcasd.org to find your local YMCA or call (858) 292-YMCA (9622).
About Open Source Wellness
Open Source Wellness (OSW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, committed to creating a world in which everyone experiences abundant health, well-being, and human connection, especially those who have been historically excluded and marginalized. OSW creates “Community as Medicine” by partnering with communities and healthcare to deliver joyful, trauma-informed, and culturally relevant programs that achieve this outcome.
YMCA Media Contact
Dan Cruz, 619.925.7671
dcruz@ymcasd.org
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