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Community as Medicine™

Active Older Adults, Adult (Ages 18-60), Adults Peninsula Family YMCA
A new, evidence-based approach to wellbeing—combining movement, conversation, and support to help you build healthier habits, together.
Adults taking a class together

Join the first cohort

Come be a part of the very first Community as Medicine cohort with the YMCA of Greater San Francisco. This 12-week program will be offered for the first time at the Peninsula Family YMCA beginning April 16th.

Register today as space is limited.

Contact Valerie Azinheira, Healthy Living Director via email at [email protected] or calling (650) 294-2624.

What is Community as Medicine?

Community as Medicine (CAM) is a 12-week Healthy Living program centered on human connection as a powerful tool for health and healing.

Through shared movement, guided conversation, and mutual support, participants build resilience, reduce stress, and create healthier habits that last beyond the program.

YMCA coaches are trained in a trauma-informed, evidence-based model developed with Open Source Wellness (OSW).

This is a structured, supportive experience designed to help you feel better, together.

Older adults participate in a group dance or exercise class at the YMCA, with some smiling and embracing while others interact in the background.

WHY IT WORKS

Clinical evidence shows that health improves when we combine physical activity, social connection, and supportive environments.

Physical Activity

Build strength, energy, and consistency

Social Connection

Reduce isolation and build meaningful relationships

Healthy Habits

Create routines that support long-term wellbeing

Stress Reduction

Improve mental health and emotional resilience

Diverse trio of active older adult men waiting for a group class to begin.

Real Results that matter

Outcomes based on national Community as Medicine program data.

77%

Decrease in emergency visits

51%

Increase in weekly exercise

43%

Reduction in depression symptoms

20%

Decrease in social isolation

Is this program right for you?

Community as Medicine is designed for adults looking to improve their overall wellbeing—especially those navigating stress, isolation, or ongoing health challenges.

  • Looking to build healthier habits
  • Wanting more connection and support
  • Managing stress, anxiety, or life transitions
  • Interested in a structured, supportive group experience

Open to participants in the Peninsula community, including San Mateo, Burlingame, Millbrae, and surrounding areas.

Woman and man smiling taking a class together

Program Details

Join the first Community as Medicine cohort at the Peninsula YMCA.

  • Duration: 12 weeks
  • Start Date: April 16, 2026
  • Schedule: Thursdays, 3:00 – 4:15pm
  • Location:
    Peninsula Family YMCA
    1877 S. Grant Street
    San Mateo, CA 94402
  • Cost: Free
  • Capacity: Limited

Spots are limited to maintain high-quality group experience.

Contact Valerie Azinheira, Healthy Living Director via email at [email protected] or calling (650) 294-2624.

Two women, one elderly and one younger, stand with arms around each other in a community center where others chat and participate in activities like reformer pilates in the background.

Each session is designed to be welcoming, supportive, and accessible—no prior experience needed.

  • Light, guided physical activity
  • Facilitated group conversations
  • Practical tools for everyday wellbeing
  • A consistent, supportive community

Come as you are. This program meets you where you are.

Two women, one elderly and one younger, stand with arms around each other in a community center where others chat and participate in activities like reformer pilates in the background.

A different approach to health

Most health advice focuses on what to do. Community As Medicine focuses on how to make it sustainable.

By combining connection, accountability, and expert-guided support, this program helps turn intention into lasting change.

Register today by contacting Valerie Azinheira, Healthy Living Director via email at [email protected] or calling (650) 294-2624.

FAQs

Not at this time. It is open to anyone living in the following zip codes: 94010, 94011, 94030, 94066, 94401, 94402, 94403, 94497, 94404

It is currently offered only at the Peninsula Family YMCA.

Peninsula Family YMCA
1877 S. Grant Street
San Mateo, CA 94402

We hope to expand it to other locations in the future.

We encourage all potential participants to register in advance to ensure we have available space as spots are limited.

We will be accepting participants up until the 2nd session of every cohort.

This program is free for anyone living in the following zip codes: 94010, 94011, 94030, 94066, 94401, 94402, 94403, 94497, 94404

Community as Medicine is a 12-week program.

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