ChristianaCare-YMCA of Delaware Partnership Strives to Help All Ages Thrive

ChristianaCare and the YMCA of Delaware have announced a new partnership aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of teens and adults throughout Delaware. This collaborative initiative focuses on two key areas: behavioral health support for teens and nutrition and weight management seminars for YMCA members.

Visit www.ymcade.org or email healthyliving@ymcade.org for more information on health programs for teens and adults.

“At the YMCA, we believe that well-being is more than just physical fitness — it’s about supporting the whole person,” said Amy Desmond, director of Healthy Living and Strategic Partnerships at the YMCA of Delaware.

“Partnering with ChristianaCare allows us to bring meaningful programs directly to our members and local youth, from behavioral health resources for teens to practical tools for healthy living. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier community,” she said.

“At ChristianaCare, we believe in supporting the health and well-being of our community and making health care easy and convenient to access,” said Bettina Tweardy Riveros, chief health equity officer.

“This partnership allows clinical experts from ChristianaCare to address both mental and physical health in a comprehensive way, helping teens and adults lead healthier, more balanced lives by meeting them in their own environment — at the YMCA.”

Teen behavioral health initiatives

As part of this partnership, ChristianaCare will launch quarterly behavioral health seminars for teens at the Walnut Street YMCA in Wilmington, Delaware, through the T.H.R.I.V.E. Program. T.H.R.I.V.E. stands for “Teen Hub for Resilience, Inspiration, Vision & Excellence.” Teens can attend any of the seminars for free. These seminars will focus on important topics such as depression and anxiety, providing much-needed resources and support for youth ages 13 to 17.

T.H.R.I.V.E. is a free after-school program at the Walnut Street YMCA, specifically designed to support the holistic development of teens. Teens do not need to be YMCA members to participate in T.H.R.I.V.E. The program focuses on four core elements: academic support, social, emotional, and behavioral progression, health and wellness exploration, and parent and family resources.

“This partnership will allow ChristianaCare’s behavioral health professionals to connect with teens on critical issues like stress, anxiety and depression,” said Mustafa Mufti, M.D., chair of the ChristianaCare Department of Psychiatry.

T.H.R.I.V.E. is a free after-school program for teens at the Walnut Street YMCA in Wilmington.

“These seminars can enhance relationships and academic performance, while also empowering teens with vital life skills and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health,” he said.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five teens in the U.S. experiences depression or anxiety, making these issues critical to address. The T.H.R.I.V.E. program, with support from ChristianaCare, aims to provide teens with the tools they need to navigate these challenges in a supportive environment.

Nutrition and weight management for members

In addition to teen mental health initiatives, the partnership will also introduce a series of nutrition and weight management seminars on a quarterly basis, exclusively for YMCA members at no extra cost.

Our goal is to empower individuals to make informed choices.” – Bradley Sandella, D.O.

“These workshops are crafted to offer practical advice and strategies for healthy living, with a special focus on weight management and nutrition,” said Bradley Sandella, D.O., physician lead of the Medical Subspecialty Service Line at ChristianaCare.

“Our goal is to empower individuals to make informed choices, fostering sustainable lifestyle changes and enhancing overall well-being.”

A holistic approach to health

This partnership underscores the shared commitment of the YMCA of Delaware and ChristianaCare to addressing the health needs of the community. By combining ChristianaCare’s clinical expertise with the YMCA’s community-based approach, the initiative seeks to provide Delawareans with greater access to vital health resources.

Future plans include expanding these workshops and seminars to reach more teens, families and individuals in need of mental health support and nutrition guidance.

For more information on these programs, visit www.ymcade.org or contact the YMCA’s Healthy Living Department at healthyliving@ymcade.org.