Verónica López joins YGBW to guide organization’s expansion of medical fitness services, partnership with Elite Physical Therapy and more

Chester County, PA – [July 8, 2024] – The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is pleased to announce the addition of Verónica López, VP of Health Strategies. López brings nearly three decades of experience in nursing leadership, patient advocacy and community outreach to YGBW.

“Verónica joins our team at a pivotal time,” comments Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, Heather Worthy Wilson. “We are embarking on a journey to better serve the medical-related health needs of our community.”

“We have a solid foundation of programs like LIVESTRONG at the Y, A Matter of Balance and Parkinson’s Cycle. And we’re looking to expand this foundation and become a certified Medical Fitness facility under Verónica’s leadership.”

Access for All
López most recently served as the Director of Nursing at Community Volunteers in Medicine. Her experience encompasses various healthcare roles, including Director of Health Equity at Reading Area Community College, Latina Community Health Services at Pennsylvania Hospital, and Greater Philadelphia Health Action, Inc. She is dedicated to promoting patient-centered care and advancing health equity and accessibility for all.

“My background is a natural fit for the YMCA,” López shares. “YGBW is committed to serving all in the community – as am I. It is energizing to put my healthcare expertise to use with an organization that aligns with my values – especially at a time when the Y is expanding fitness-related health services to help heal the community.”

One way that YGBW is innovating to increase access to health and wellness is by delivering services in the community. The organization plans to mobilize a Fit Truk across Chester County in the coming months. Fit Truks are fully equipped mobile gyms, designed to deliver health care and fitness directly to schools, organizations, community events and more.

“Expanding access to health-related services and resources is a top priority for YGBW,” says Bertram L. Lawson II, President and CEO of YGBW. “Wellness is an area of investment for our organization - to ensure we meet the needs of Chester County residents. Data shows there is need to improve the health of our community and we plan to address the need through expanded services, upgraded equipment, strategic partnerships and more.”

Partnering to Expand Medical Fitness Services
The expansion of the Y’s medical fitness services will be accelerated through strategic partnerships. Last month, Elite Physical Therapy launched services at the West Chester Area branch on Airport Road.

Both physical and occupational therapy are available from 8AM – 5 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays and from 7AM – 4PM on Fridays. Hours will expand as demand grows, as will the partnership between Elite and YGBW. Elite Physical Therapy is slated to launch at the Coatesville branch in early 2025.

The partnership with Elite comes on the heels of YGBW’s partnership with HUSK Nutrition this spring. HUSK provides personalized consultations with registered dieticians and services are covered by most major insurance companies.

“We recognize that healthcare goes beyond doctor’s appointments and medicine,” continues López. “We advocate for a 360-degree approach to health and wellness, including exercise, nutrition, medicine and more. In times when we are not able to provide expertise at the Y, we will partner to ensure members of the community have access to vital services like physical therapy, nutritional counseling and more.”

The organization recently upgraded cardio equipment in seven branches and plans to install EVOLT 360 body scanners this fall. EVOLT 360 provides detailed data about your body through more than 40 different measurements to help members pinpoint wellness goals that can improve health outcomes.

“At the Y, we meaningfully impact the health of our community,” says López. “I am thrilled to join this vibrant team.”

López earned a bachelor’s degree from Temple University and a nursing degree from Gwynedd Mercy University. She completed Advancing Health Equity at Harvard Medical School and is pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania.

As a first-generation American of Cuban descent, López is fluent in Spanish and deeply understands the challenges and opportunities facing immigrants. Outside of work she is a devoted mother to two children and a dog and resides in Chester County.

Elite Physical Therapy at the Y: www.ymcagbw.org/elite

About HUSK Nutrition: https://ymcagbw.org/healthy-living/husk-nutrition-ymca-greater-brandywine

To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Brandywine: https://www.ymcagbw.org