News/Events
News Release
STJ Mercy Regional Foundation Provides Wii Equipment To Area Seniors
3/23/2009
Joplin, Mo. – Representatives from St. John’s Mercy Regional Foundation will present eight complete Wii Sports Gaming Systems, Wii Fit boards and accessories and eight DVD players to the Area Agency on Aging, Region Ten. The presentation will take place on March 24 at 3:00 p.m. during a ceremony at the Joplin Senior Center, located at 2202 Jackson Ave. in Joplin, MO.
The Area Agency on Aging provides services, information, assistance and development resources to help seniors maintain their independence. It operates eight senior centers located in Joplin (two locations), Webb City, Carl Junction, Neosho, Carthage, Lamar and Noel.
“The benefits from these Wii interactive games and fitness boards include strengthening of body muscles, mental acuity and fun competition among friends,” said Carolyn McLaren, executive director of the Area Agency on Aging centers. “The DVD players will be used to show informational DVDs on nutrition, physical fitness, health and wellness, safety at home, Medicare information and many other topics important to our seniors at each of our locations.”
“We immediately saw the benefits of this type of program for the approximately 650 seniors that come to the centers daily” said Treva Kennedy, St. John’s Mercy Regional Foundation president and CEO. “Utilizing this new technology in fitness and exercise activities will provide our area seniors the ability to stay active and enjoy games like golf, bowling, tennis and yoga while improving overall fitness and flexibility.”
The equipment was purchased through a grant provided by St. John’s Mercy Regional Foundation. Funding for Foundation projects is made possible by donations from individuals, businesses, special events and bequests in the wills of Four State area residents.
For more information, please contact the St. John’s Mercy Regional Foundation office at 625-2266.
St. John’s Regional Medical Center has been leading the way in healthcare throughout the four-state area for more than 100 years. We are a 367-bed facility, serving 19 counties in Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Arkansas. We provide state-of-the-art healthcare services, specializing in cardiology, orthopedics, neurosciences, and oncology. St. John’s has earned the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission. Additionally, we have been recognized by Thomson Healthcare with three 100 Top Hospital Awards (2006) and rated in the top 5% nationally by HealthGrades for patient safety (2008) and top 10% for critical care (2009).