Houghton, NY. – Univera Healthcare and Houghton College today announced the awarding of a $90,000 Univera Healthcare grant to support the Houghton College Wellness Initiative, a program aimed at preparing students for careers in wellness training and improving the health and wellness of residents of Allegany County.

Pictured Left to Right: Art Wingerter, president, Univera Healthcare
Shirley Mullen, president, Houghton College
Matthew Webb, director of athletics, Houghton College

The Univera grant will be dispersed over three years and will provide a limited number of students with the opportunity to become certified fitness trainers. Upon certification, the students will offer free wellness training to a select group of individuals from the community who meet the wellness initiative’s health screening guidelines.

Exercising Andrew Butler uses fitness equipment in the Pegula Center at Houghton College under the direction of Daniel Chapman.

“With this grant to Houghton College, we are supporting improved access to physical activity in Allegany County in an effort to reduce the prevalence of diabetes,” said Arthur Wingerter, president, Univera Healthcare.

“Houghton College is privileged to partner with Univera Healthcare to provide outstanding experiential opportunities for our students,” stated Shirley Mullen, president, Houghton College. “Houghton has a longstanding mission to train and equip our students to use their gifts and abilities to benefit their communities. This program is a tremendous opportunity for our students to grow in their skills while working to improve the health and wellness of our neighbors.”

Univera’s grant program embodies the nonprofit health insurer’s mission to reach all segments of the communities it serves, particularly the underserved to enhance their quality of life and health status. Strong preference is given to initiatives that focus on the areas of diabetes, prevention, medication management, respiratory and/or behavioral health. Univera looks for multi-year initiatives with measurable outcomes.

Univera Healthcare is a nonprofit health plan that serves members across the eight counties of Western New York. The company’s mission is to help people live healthier and more secure lives through access to high-quality, affordable health care. Its products and services include cost-saving prescription drug discounts, wellness tracking tools and access to telemedicine. With nearly 500 employees in Western New York, the company is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce to foster innovation and better serve its members. It encourages employees to engage in their communities by providing paid volunteer time off as one of many benefits. To learn more, visit UniveraHealthcare.com.

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Houghton College is a nationally ranked Christian liberal arts college located in the scenic Genesee Valley of western New York State.

https://www.houghton.edu/