Decatur Shelby YMCA to launch healthcare support program

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) – The Decatur Shelby County YMCA will be launching a healthcare referral program called ‘Prescribe the Y’. 

They received a $528,860 state grant through Indiana GROW to launch the initiative. 

Through Prescribe the Y, local healthcare providers will be able to connect eligible patients directly with personalized support at the YMCA. 

Referred participants will complete a free, 90-day program based on their individual health needs. The program may include personal training, health coaching, evidence-based chronic disease prevention programming, and opportunities for social connection. 

“Health is shaped by what happens between doctor visits. This funding will allow us to work directly with healthcare providers and give residents the coaching, tools, and consistent support they need to build healthier lives,” said Decatur Shelby County YMCA CEO Mackenzie Pickerrell.

The YMCA will hire a Director of Community Health, four personal trainers, and also invest in EGYM strength-training equipment and SECA body composition technology

During the first year, the YMCA will focus on hiring and training staff, installing equipment, establishing referral and data-sharing systems, and expanding relationships with health care providers and community partners. 

Prescribe the Y is expected to begin serving referred participants in early 2027.

Decatur County Memorial Hospital CEO Rex McKinney is also sharing his support of the program.

“Prescribe the Y gives our care teams another way to connect patients directly with personalized support while helping them act earlier and better manage their health,” he said.