Being for Others Health and Wellness Foundation Launches County Health & Wellness Networks Across Southern Indiana

JASPER, IN – Being for Others Health and Wellness Foundation (BFO) has launched a series of county-based Health & Wellness Networks designed to bring together organizations, community leaders, service providers, and residents who are working to improve health and wellness throughout Southern Indiana.

The BFO Health & Wellness Networks represent an evolution of the community Advisory Councils that were previously hosted by Deaconess Memorial Medical Center (DMMC) across the region. Those councils played an important role in connecting community leaders, identifying local health priorities, and strengthening communication between DMMC and the communities it serves.

"We are grateful for the leadership and community engagement that DMMC fostered through its Advisory Councils over many years," said Christian Blome, President, BFO Foundation. "Our goal is to build upon that legacy by creating spaces where people can come together not only to discuss community needs, but also to share successes, strengthen relationships, and identify opportunities to work together to improve health and wellness outcomes throughout our region."

For BFO, “Health & Wellness” is more than a clinical term. It is about the whole person and the conditions that allow individuals, families, and communities to thrive. It means having access to physical care, emotional support, social connection, and the resources needed to live with dignity and purpose. This may include quality healthcare, mental health support, safe housing, food at home, clean clothes to wear, livable wages, or meaningful places to gather and belong. That is why public outreach is so integral to this effort. By creating space for collaboration, we hope to foster growth, connection, and shared community action that strengthens health and wellness for all.

“DMMC is proud of the relationships and community engagement fostered through our county Advisory Councils over the years,” said Sarah Maddox-Barnett, Sr. Business Development Coordinator, DMMC. “We look forward to continuing this work alongside BFO and will remain active participants in the Networks as part of our ongoing commitment to the region.”

BFO Health & Wellness Networks are open to anyone interested in advancing health and wellness in their community, including representatives from healthcare, education, government, elected officials, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, employers, and community groups, as well as interested residents.

Individuals interested in participating or learning more about the BFO Health & Wellness Network are encouraged to visit www.beingforothers.org/about/bfo-health-wellness-network or contact BFO at info@beingforothers.org.

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About Being for Others Health and Wellness Foundation

The Being for Others (BFO) Health and Wellness Foundation is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to creating a culture of health and wellness for the betterment of communities in Southern Indiana. Established through a generous $20 million endowment made possible by the affiliation between Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center and Deaconess Health System in 2024, the Foundation serves eight counties: Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Martin, Orange, Perry, Pike, and Spencer.

Focused exclusively on grant-making, the Foundation collaborates with local organizations, agencies, and other funders to promote health and wellness initiatives that inspire our communities to Be Well. Be Healthy. Be for Others.

For more information contact 812-556-0400, info@beingforothers.org or visit www.beingforothers.org.