Wellspan Again Supports GIL

Over many years, Wellspan has been a staunch supporter of the Gettysburg Inner Loop, known as the GIL. Most recently, they awarded another five thousand dollars to HABPI for the GIL. In 2021, they provided a $25,000 grant. Their sustained support of the GIL goes back to 2007. Several Gettysburg Hospital presidents have supported efforts to increase physical activity like walking and bicycling. That included past presidents Dr. Kevin Moser, Jane Hyde and now current President Michael Cogliano.  HABPI stands for Healthy Adams Bicycle-Pedestrian, Inc., which is dedicated to developing active transportation. Active transportation (bicycling and walking) is a health remedy.  It is when we use our personal muscles and calories as we go from A to B. This improves our personal health; air quality; commercial business support; and livability of our county.  We especially aim our efforts at our youngest, who we don’t want to saddle with poor health due to sedentary lifestyles, says HABPI member Tom Jolin.  Sedentary lifestyles cause overweight and obesity problems. According to the 2022 Wellspan Health Needs Assessment, 82% of Countians suffer from this health condition. Further, the report says only 16% of Adams Countians exercised 30 minutes or more in the last five days. We don’t want to pass these problems on to our children and grandkids, says Jolin.  HABPI treats the health problem with optimism that it can and will be solved. There is good reason for this optimism when we look at the dedicated organizations doing outstanding work. Gettysburg Borough is implementing the GIL. They are greatly supported by gracious funders that believe likewise, including Wellspan, Adams County Community Foundation, and Robert Hoffman Charitable Endowment Trust, to name of few.  HABPI is grateful to be on the same page with them.  Older people remember the good old days when one would bicycle to school, work, ball practice, etc.  Such healthy times are coming back as the bicycle culture continues to revive. Jolin says progress is being made and is especially grateful to Wellspan for their leadership. He says increased bicycling and walking equal better health.