Iredell Memorial Hospital Announces Partnership
with Wellness Coalition America

Statesville, NC, September 28, 2006 – Administrators of Iredell Memorial Hospital announced today the hospital has partnered with Wellness Coalition America to deliver a full compliment of wellness resources to local businesses under the name Wellness Coalition Iredell.  The goal of the partnership is to provide health education and assessments for employees throughout the region so they will be equipped to make informed choices for leading healthier lives.

“Iredell Memorial Hospital is committed to the wellness of our community,” said Ed Rush, hospital president and CEO.  “This collaboration will enable us to reach out to people in their workplaces early on when we can make a real difference.”

The Wellness Coalition’s Medical Director, Dr. Linda Roochvarg, said, “According to the World Health Organization, 80 percent of all cases of coronary heart disease, 90 percent of type 2 diabetes cases and one-third of all cancers can be avoided by eating a healthier diet, increasing physical activity and stopping smoking.  Through our alliance with Iredell Memorial Hospital, we will be educating employees on disease prevention and management, and empowering them to take control of their wellness.”

Terrie Reeves, Coalition founder and president, added, “We believe by partnering with Iredell Memorial, we can provide effective disease management and wellness programs that can help area companies manage and even reduce their healthcare costs.  But it's not just about saving money…it’s about impacting lives.”

The formal partnership between Iredell Memorial Hospital and Wellness Coalition America will be kicked off Wednesday, October 4, 2006, at a Corporate Health and Wellness Summit at the Statesville Civic Center.  A second summit is scheduled on October 25, 2006, in Mooresville at the South Iredell Senior Center.  Both events will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and will include a catered lunch.  Dr. Roochvarg and Ms. Reeves will be the keynote speakers.

“Most employers believe in investing in the health and wellness of their employees,” explained Rush. “However, when it comes to choosing specific wellness activities, organizing health fairs, and conducting health risk assessments, screenings and on-site clinics, they need guidance and assistance.”

The summits are designed to create awareness about corporate wellness initiatives and disease management programs, and help employers become part of the global awakening to the importance of managing their employees’ health.  These forums also provide opportunities for employers to exchange ideas for improving wellness in the workplace and for controlling their corporate bottom lines.

If you would like to register for the Corporate Health and Wellness Summit in Statesville, RSVP to Shira Capellini (shira@wellnesscoalition.com) by Friday, September 29, 2006.  To attend the summit in Mooresville, please respond to Shira by October 20.  Seating is limited.

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Iredell Memorial Hospital is a 247-bed hospital serving all of Iredell County and its neighboring counties. The hospital is located at the corner of Brookdale Drive and Hartness Road in Statesville.  It includes the J. Allen Knox Radiation Therapy Center, the Women’s Health Center, the Outpatient Surgery Center, the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center and the Diabetes Education Center. Iredell was named a 5-star customer service hospital for overall in-patient care for the last two years.  For a complete list of services and programs, visit www.iredellmemorial.org.

Wellness Coalition America is a team of like-minded health and business professionals working together to make people healthier.  We strive to be a “Health Advocate” through our Care Management System, which includes:  wellness and disease management programs; consulting and wellness program development; health risk assessments and screenings; proprietary software to implement, manage and track disease management; printed and electronic wellness educational tools; on-site corporate wellness programming, and much more.  For additional information, visit www.wellnesscoalition.com.