You may have seen the national Associated Press news story describing how the YMCA is helping tackle America’s lifestyle health crisis. The story offers a great snapshot of our national strategic plan, our history of addressing important social issues and our mission to help those who struggle to improve the health of their bodies, minds and spirits.

Our community is in a health crisis so severe that for the first time in memory, this generation of children could face a lower life expectancy than their parents. Our society has the power to influence the most critical factors in this crisis — physical inactivity and unhealthy eating. The YMCA has the knowledge, expertise and capacity to proactively address our community’s health crisis.

The YMCA of Port Arthur is a committed partner in this national mission. We are one of the 270 YMCAs nationwide that have committed to become an “Activate America YMCA.” We have held several events to publicize this commitment in the past year, most dramatically with our Health Kids Day and America on the Move Week events.

However, this is just the beginning. We have pledged to help by changing how we help introduce and orient “health seekers” — 40 percent of our population who crave a healthier lifestyle but waver in their pursuit of it.

Our goal is to influence and motivate “health seekers” to make positive changes in their pursuit of well-being. Membership at the YMCA will be an experience characterized by the creation of relationships and opportunities to support the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.

The YMCA considers this health challenge part of its mission work in the community. In 2007, over 3,000 people participated in YMCA activities and membership because of the generous support of individuals, companies and foundations.

We welcome the opportunity to share with you more information on how our YMCA is playing an active role in tackling issues of health and well-being here in the Port Arthur and surrounding areas and our important role in this national mission of the YMCA.

Patrick Murphy, President/CEO

YMCA of Port Arthur