The program’s success is made possible by community partnerships with Cigna, Nike, Kroger and WMC Action News 5, offering free fitness classes, digital tracking app and educational events. Members also have access to 24/7 virtual workouts, nutritious recipes and lifestyle improvement challenges.

Healthier 901 held its second event in 2024 at Shelby Farms Park, featuring fitness classes, cooking demos, games and other activities to inspire healthy choices. The program’s reach continues to grow as it seeks to further its impact in the coming years. With the goal of losing one million pounds by 2026, Healthier 901 is already making significant strides in its mission to transform the well-being of the Mid-South.

“As we reflect on the progress made in the past year, we’re reminded that the success of Healthier 901 lies in the collective power of our community,” said Michael Ugwueke, president and CEO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. “Together, we’ve already achieved so much, but we’re just getting started.”

Looking ahead, new challenges, events and partnerships will continue to drive progress toward this ambitious goal. To learn more about becoming more active or adopting a healthier lifestyle, visit Healthier901.com and download the Healthier 901 app today.

Methodist Olive Branch Hospital (MOBH) partnered with the DeSoto County Economic Development Council to host the “Bridging the Gap” DeSoto County Career Expo. The event, aimed at 10th-grade students, provided hands-on healthcare demonstrations, including CPR and Heimlich maneuver techniques. MOBH’s involvement in the event encouraged students to explore nursing and healthcare careers.

This initiative helps spark interest in the field, providing the next generation with valuable skills and career insights. Through these hands-on experiences, the hospital supports local students and helps them plan for future opportunities in healthcare.

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) offers a free resource for individuals with chronic conditions and their caregivers. The program empowers people living with conditions like cancer, asthma, diabetes, heart disease and others, helping them better manage their health and daily routines.

Participants gain valuable skills in areas such as stress management, sleep hygiene, healthy eating and medication decisions. Classes are led by trained facilitators in community settings, fostering a supportive environment where participants share experiences and learn together. Each participant also creates a personalized action plan to improve their health after the program.

With nearly 600 enrolled in its first nine months, CDSMP has expanded significantly. Thanks to a $3 million grant from Tennessee, the program now serves even more individuals in the community. Additionally, a $150,000 grant from Mississippi is helping extend the program into North Mississippi, broadening its impact.

When Germantown’s water system was contaminated with diesel fuel, Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital faced a major challenge. Over a week, more than 200 surgical cases were delayed, and hospital operations were disrupted due to the lack of running water.

Innovation and teamwork were crucial to overcoming this challenge. The Sterile Processing team worked overnight shifts at other Methodist facilities to clean instruments, while the Lab team ran critical tests at other hospitals. The hospital also secured tanker water for operations and set up handwashing stations to maintain care standards.

Despite the crisis, the collaborative effort of hospital staff and partners ensured patient care continued without compromise. Their resilience and creativity allowed Germantown to recover swiftly, ensuring that patient safety was always prioritized.

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, in collaboration with the University of Memphis and University of Tennessee Health Science Center, launched All Kids Academy—an innovative program that provides specialized schooling for hospitalized children under 5. The program pairs senior child development students with hospitalized kids to offer personalized educational support.

Interns gain hands-on experience while helping children meet developmental milestones through play, music and books. The program aims to bridge the gap for children who miss schooling due to extended hospital stays, addressing the educational needs that often go unmet in a medical environment.

Studies show that prolonged hospitalization can affect children’s mental health, leading to higher dropout rates and behavioral challenges. All Kids Academy provides an opportunity to promote early literacy and strengthen the child-caregiver bond, while connecting families to local early childhood care resources.

Jessica Liles, Le Bonheur’s director of Volunteer and Family services, notes that interns assess each child’s developmental stage and tailor their learning activities accordingly. The program's first intern, Mary Madden, has found the experience rewarding, stating, “It taught me how to support kids at their developmental stage, ensuring they don’t regress during hospitalization.”

Looking forward, All Kids Academy plans to expand to include K-12 students, with a focus on STEM education. The initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the educational needs of hospitalized children.