Investing in a Healthier Community with the Wellness Department

Through a longstanding partnership with the St. John’s Health Wellness Department, St. John’s Health Foundation is helping expand access to programs that support healthier lives—both for patients managing chronic conditions and for the employees who serve our community. 

This past year, Foundation funding supported a new Lifestyle Medicine Scholarship Program while continuing to make wellness resources available to St. John’s Health employees through partnerships with Home Yoga and Astoria Park Conservancy. 

Helping Patients Build Healthier Lives 

In June, St. John’s Health Foundation committed $40,000 to support the Lifestyle Medicine Scholarship Program, a 12-month bilingual program available to chronically ill patients who meet certain financial criteria. 

Each scholarship recipient receives 12 health and well-being coaching sessions, two nutrition consultations, two exercise consultations, a Fitbit Inspire 3 health and fitness tracker, and additional resources based on individual needs, including diabetes consultations and kitchen essentials. 

The program gives participants more than resources, it provides the personalized guidance and ongoing support needed to make meaningful, lasting changes in their health. By removing financial barriers, Foundation funding gives more patients the opportunity to build healthier habits, gain confidence in managing their health, and work toward a better quality of life. 

Caring for Our Employees 

Among the wellness resources available to St. John’s Health employees are complimentary yoga class packs that can be used throughout the year at Home Yoga. Over the past year, employees participated in 835 yoga classes, providing an accessible way to incorporate movement and mindfulness into their routines. 

Foundation support also helps provide employees with free access to Astoria Hot Springs. During the year, employees used 884 complimentary passes to enjoy the restorative benefits of the hot springs. 

The Astoria partnership extends beyond individual visits, offering additional opportunities for employees to recharge and connect. Three team retreats brought 68 St. John’s Health employees together in an off-site setting tailored to each team, with activities ranging from yoga and meditation to team-building exercises and hot spring soaks. Employees are also invited to participate in Astoria’s Frontline Resilience Program, a series of complimentary wellness events for frontline workers featuring integrative breathwork, yoga, meditation, sound baths, and other restorative practices. 

St. John’s Health Foundation is grateful to the Wellness Department for the work they do every day to help our patients, employees, and community live healthier lives. Through philanthropy and partnership, we’re proud to support their efforts to make health and well-being more accessible to the people who call this community home. 

To learn more about the Wellness Department at St. John’s Health, visit the Wellness Center page, call 307.739.7399 or view their 2026 Impact Report.