Submitted by PeaceHealth
PeaceHealth United General Medical Center and medical group clinic, recently recognized its first group of caregivers earning health coach certification as a result of its Integrated Nutrition Pathways Scholarship program. The program, which awards scholarships to PeaceHealth caregivers to become a certified health coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, is the first of its kind to be offered by a health system in the United States.
Through IIN’s advanced online learning platform, caregivers spent six months to a year completing a comprehensive program focused on nutrition and holistic health.
At the event, PeaceHealth also gifted one health coach scholarship to local community partner United General District 304. This organization offered a full scholarship to Erin Christensen, on behalf of PeaceHealth.
“We are extremely excited to offer this important health benefit to our dedicated caregivers — and now members of our community,” said Meghan McCarthy, PeaceHealth’s system director of community health. “I truly believe this program is positively changing the fabric of our communities. It’s just one more example of how PeaceHealth is innovating and partnering to improve the health of our communities beyond our hospital and clinic walls.”
PeaceHealth’s Nutrition Pathways Scholarship program is available to any of its more than 16,000 caregivers. PeaceHealth simply asks participants to “pay it forward” by sharing their new knowledge and expertise with friends, family and colleagues who may benefit.
Carol Hawk, director of operations for United General District 304, said, “We’re delighted that Erin Christensen, office coordinator, has received the Integrative Nutrition community scholarship from PeaceHealth. Becoming a certified health coach allows Erin to grow professionally and supports her passion for helping people build healthier habits.”
A total of 77 graduates across PeaceHealth were honored, and more than 150 caregivers have received scholarships since the program launched last January. Local graduates include:
- Harbeen Gill, pharmacist
- Evangeline Pescasio, registered nurse
- Dayna Ramdeholl, patient access representative
- Allie Townsend, medical assistant
The Institute for Integrative Nutrition was founded in 1992 and is the largest nutrition school in the world. Visit the IIN’s website for more information about the health coach certification program.
