In January 2024, the Winter Park Health Foundation launched its wellTogether program, a comprehensive initiative focused on the disciplines of Fitness, Behavior Change, and Nutrition. Working with our Clinical Integration Committee, a group of physicians and practitioners who lend expertise and guidance on this wellTogether program and others, we designed wellTogether to offer a clinically integrated approach to sustainable, long-term health improvement. Here’s more on the new program: 

What is wellTogether? 

wellTogether is a wellbeing program designed for people who are at-risk for or managing diabetes or cardiovascular conditions. wellTogether offers a clinically integrated approach to sustainable, long-term health improvement through a focus on three Pillars: Fitness, Behavior Change, and Nutrition. Collaborating with experts in each Pillar to provide a personalized and supportive experience, wellTogether includes pre- and post program assessments. A report is shared with referring clinicians for a holistic perspective on participants’ health transformations and for coordination of follow-up care. 

Who is wellTogether for? 

wellTogether currently offers pathways focused on Diabetes and Heart Health. 

DIABETES: For patients at-risk for or managing Prediabetes or Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. 

HEART HEALTH: For patients at-risk for or managing a cardiovascular condition. 

What is the time commitment for wellTogether? 

Participants are placed into ten-person groups who advance through the eight-week program together. These groups meet three or four times per week at the Center for Health & Wellbeing in Winter Park for group activities in the Fitness, Behavior Change, and Nutrition Pillars. 

How Much Does wellTogether Cost? 

The wellTogether program is offered at an all-inclusive cost of $249 to each participant. 
 
Who created wellTogether? 

wellTogether is a community health initiative of the Winter Park Health Foundation and is delivered at the Center for Health & Wellbeing. A revolutionary concept in whole-person health, the Center for Health & Wellbeing is co-owned by the Winter Park Health Foundation and AdventHealth. 

Founded in 1994, the Winter Park Health Foundation is a nationally recognized leader in funding, developing, and implementing innovative programs that improve quality of life and individual and community health. 

WellTogether’s Pillars of Healthy Living:  

Fitness: Exercise is medicine.
In group workout and fitness education sessions provided by experts at the Crosby Wellness Center at the Center for Health & Wellbeing, wellTogether participants improve their levels of physical ability over the eight-week program with a focus on pathway-specific metrics like reductions in BMI and blood pressure, and improvements in flexibility and muscular endurance. 

Behavior Change: Change starts with the brain.
wellTogether uses the framework of KickStart 30, an effective, evidence-based 30-day program designed to inspire behavior change in the pursuit of health and happiness. Guided by Licensed Mental Health Counselor Jill Hamilton Buss, wellTogether participants use the foundation of Kickstart 30 tailored to their specific pathway to build healthy habits that last. 

Nutrition: Eat well, feel well. 
Nutrition education classes taught by experts from AdventHealth’s Center for Nutritional Excellence and Diabetes Institute empower wellTogether participants with the knowledge they need to make healthier food choices. These classes are paired with an in-the-kitchen workshop that teaches hands-on techniques for cooking new and healthy recipes in a fun and engaging environment. 

Delivered at the Center for Health & Wellbeing owned in partnership with AdventHealth in Winter Park, wellTogether collaborates with these Pillar partners: 

Fitness: Crosby Wellness Center’s MyFitRx Program 

Behavior Change: Jill Hamilton Buss, Licensed Mental Health Counselor 

Nutrition: AdventHealth Center for Nutritional Excellence and Diabetes Institute 

For more information about the wellTogether program or to find out how to be referred to the program by your physician or clinician, please email Trevor Hicks, WPHF’s Senior Director of Clinical Integration, at [email protected].