OSBORNE – Osborne County Memorial Hospital is walking the walk. Five years ago when the OCMH new building committee started working toward building a new facility, the community voiced the need of a walking path. As part of the planning, space was left for the walking path so the community could one day enjoy not only a new facility but a safe walking area.

The hospital applied for and received multiple grants, including a Hansen Foundation grant, and had local fundraising events. The half-mile path circling the hospital grounds is four-feet wide, with concrete underneath and this summer a rubber cushion will be added on top. Additional length can be added in future projects.

OCMH’s Wellness Committee kicked off its first “step challenge.” About 50 employees participated in the first challenge. They set a baseline for the average number of steps in a day and then worked to increase their step count progressively through increased activity each week. Employees were allowed to take walking breaks during the day to increase activity and movement. The wellness committee added a team challenge for the fall.

OCMH plans a community wellness campaign, a “walk with a doc” program and other events and information to promote the importance of healthy lifestyle choices. So far, the emphasis has been that the pathway is open for use and while not completely finished, it is available for walking. Community members have been seen walking their dogs, walking with friends or kids and generally using the path to be active and outside.

Before installing the path, a windbreak was planted to shield patients and staff from weather elements. A final phase planned would be the addition of a community garden on the hospital campus.