OMC opens New Walking Trail

Hospital employees and community leaders gathered Wednesday for the official opening of a community walking trail on the campus of Oconee Medical Center.  The trail is an employee-led project made possible with donations from employees and community partners. Oconee Medical Center Foundation director Cortni Nations thanked everyone for investing in health and wellness.   “Each year, just as we ask the public to contribute to our healthcare services, we also ask employees to give back.  This year’s employee campaign raised more than $65,000 for hospital programs.  One of the many funds employees could designate donations to was the building of a community walking trail. Through the campaign alone, $26,000 was designated for the trail.  Clearly, our OMC team is not only invested in our mission through daily patient care, but we are also financially invested in improving the health and well-being of our community.  Thanks to the generosity of employees, our OMC Auxiliary and many community partners, this project is now coming to life.”  Marlie Rahn, Health Educator in the Wellness Department led the effort of designing the trail and putting the logistics together.   “The project came together so beautifully.  Our folks were so enthusiastic in their giving to this project.  When we approached nurseries and other businesses about quotes for trail, they, too wanted to participate. It really says a lot about our community and our desire to be healthy and fit,” said Rahn.  Wednesday’s ribbon cutting ceremony was followed by a group stretching exercise and a walk around the trail.  Literature on the benefits of healthy living was distributed by Oconee Medical Center’s Wellness Department.  “There’s no better way to celebrate National Walking Day than by giving our community an additional space to take a walk and enjoy the outdoors.  What better place to do it than at our hospital where we are truly dedicated to health and wellness,” said Joni Metler, Manager of Oconee Medical Center’s Wellness Department.  The paved trail is ¼ of a mile long and is located on the front lawn of the hospital.  It is open to the public.  Sitting areas and benches will soon be added.  Naming opportunities are available for those wishing to make a contribution to help maintain the trail.