The Center for Health + Wellness at Sampson Regional Medical Center will re-open as a YMCA branch of the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina association.  The partnership between the YMCA, Sampson Regional Medical Center, and Anonymous Trust centers around the YMCA leasing the hospital’s health and wellness facility to offer Y programs and services to the Sampson County community at large.

“When the COVID-19 pandemic forced temporary closure of our facility, we had the opportunity to evaluate how a future reopening could better serve the community, “said Shawn Howerton, MD, Sampson Regional Medical Center’s CEO. “Thanks to the great support of Anonymous Trust, we can move forward in partnership with the YMCA. We are thrilled at the possibilities this presents for our community and are pleased that our well-equipped and beautiful facility will be filled with programming focused on improving the health of Sampson County.”

With just a few minor renovations, the facility will be converted into an exceptional

YMCA, immediately offering YMCA memberships, health, wellness, and aquatic programs. Youth programs will be phased in over time and include sports (soccer, basketball, flag football and more), summer camps, day camps, and afterschool programming. The existing facility includes a gymnasium, racquetball courts, 6-lane pool, locker rooms, cardio, and strength equipment, offices, and spaces for classrooms/education.

On September 21, 2021, the YMCA of Southeastern NC Board of Directors voted to approve this initiative. Like other YMCA branches, community volunteers will form an Advisory Board and staff will consist of a Branch Director to manage operations and program staff to support offerings within the facility and in the community. Staff recruitment is key, and positions for YMCA staff will be posted soon.

“We are excited to embrace this opportunity” says Dick Jones, President & CEO of the YMCA of Southeastern NC. “This effort supports our strategic plan by allowing us to partner with like-minded organizations to expand programs beyond our immediate vicinity. We look forward to working with others in Clinton and surrounding areas to provide programs for children and families. We are incredibly grateful to the Anonymous Trust for their support, without which we could not accomplish our commitment to Healthy Living, Social Responsibility and Youth Development in Sampson County.”

Support from Anonymous Trust will ensure the YMCA can serve the community for years to come. Their mandate is to serve rural and underserved communities in eastern North Carolina.

“We are absolutely delighted to participate in bringing a YMCA to Clinton, NC.”, says Debbie Aiken, Executive Director of the Anonymous Trust. A community YMCA will provide a safe and nurturing space for all our children, a well-equipped facility for adults to focus on fitness and well-being and enjoy the benefits that come from being part of YMCA community. This is a dream that will soon become a reality.”

About the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina, comprised of 3 membership facilities and 1 residential camp, serves more than 15,000 men, women, and children to help nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Deeply rooted in the community for 130 years, the YMCA of Southeastern NC has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.

About Sampson Regional Medical Center
Located in Clinton, NC, Sampson Regional Medical Center (SampsonRMC) has served its community since 1950 and is now one of only a handful of independent, community-based hospitals remaining in North Carolina.  The healthcare facility serves as an academic training center for medical students, interns, and residents.  Accredited by The Joint Commission, the system offers a range of medical services including acute care, outpatient surgery, emergency and critical care, and women’s health and children’s services.  Specialties include general surgery, orthopedics, obstetrics & gynecology, and urology.  The system provides valuable outpatient services such as physical therapy and diagnostic imaging in state-of-the-art centers and a network of physician practices that include primary care, women’s health, general surgery, pain management, and urgent care.

About Anonymous Trust
Anonymous Trust is a North Carolina foundation dedicated to serving rural, under- resourced and marginalized communities in eastern North Carolina with a vision that all might thrive. It seeks to understand the needs of the community by listening and partnering to address resource gaps in education, health and human services, the environment, the arts, historic preservation, community development and disaster relief.