Since 1990, the MHA has honored member healthcare organizations working to enrich the overall welfare of their local communities through the Ludwig Community Benefit Award. This year, the MHA is excited to showcase all award nominees, highlighting the exceptional and creative work being accomplished by Michigan’s hospitals.
Priority Health, a 2023 nominee, is improving the well-being of residents through a partnership with the National Fitness Campaign by offering free access to outdoor fitness courts to communities across Michigan. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Michigan reported an adult obesity rate of 34.4% in 2021. The CDC also reports that more than half of Americans don’t live within half a mile of a park, a common barrier that can impact health outcomes.
To fight obesity, improve quality of life and create equitable access to exercise, Priority Health Fitness Courts® have been installed in more than 13 communities since 2019, delivering important outdoor wellness infrastructures to help community members stay active. The company has committed to an additional 30 courts to be placed throughout the state by 2025.
Created for people ages 14 and over with all abilities and fitness levels, the courts are handicap-accessible and allow participants to move at their own pace. By downloading the free Fitness Court App, users also have access to dozens of workouts creating a unique, digitally supported wellness experience.
Members with questions about the program or the Ludwig Community Benefit Award should contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.