Wellness center plans moving forward

Plans for better use of the Fallbrook Wellness Center are moving forward.

"We're all excited about its potential," said Rachel Mason, executive director of the Fallbrook Regional Health District, following a special board meeting June 25.

At that meeting, board members heard the final presentation from a consulting company, Catalyst, a Haskell Company in San Diego, hired a year ago to help identify the type programs most desired by the community and board.

The meeting concluded multiple suggestions, plans, adjustments, and changes by Catalyst, staff, public and the board.

"Everyone is really happy," Mason said. "We expect to be very busy here very quickly."

She added that plans would have moved more rapidly if not for COVID 19 issues.

"Now that we're recovering from the pandemic and have plans in place, I expect it will be very busy very quickly," Mason said.

The board was shown a powerpoint presentation that is available to examine online at fallbrookhealth.org.

Community needs were prioritized by rank, with the No. 1 needs being support programs for obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and youth social support. They were ranked for both health and social programs.

The second ranked programs were for mental health and prevention/screening. Third was high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and transportation. Fourth was mobility and healthy food/nutrition.

Fifth ranked was age-related deficits and language barrier, followed individually by economic security, family/child support, education, health literacy, and legal/advocacy.

Evidence-based programs were given higher preference. Board members agreed to begin with "Just Do" programs that are not difficult to implement. Some of the activities may need to wait until upgrades have been made to the property. Some outdoor activities like a walking path could be started immediately.

FRHD purchased the property in April 2018 for $1.8 million. Located on 4.5 acres at 1636 E. Mission Road, the complex consists of three buildings: the old sanctuary, a building with six classrooms, and a house that was the parsonage.

Mason said an architect has been selected to design improvements. The program plans coordinated by Catalyst will show the board how to move forward with financial decisions on the buildings.

The buildings on the property are in good shape, Mason said, but need help due to deferred maintenance. Most of the buildings are ready to use for support groups and community meetings.

The architect will be used to plan identified needs, like a commercial kitchen. There may also be a demonstration kitchen.

She noted that there will likely be a mix of programs the staff can handle themselves, and also working with community partners.

"That's our next step, to connect with our partners," Mason said.

"The programs identified will serve the bulk of our community needs, but there's no reason to think we won't add something later," she noted.

Mason said the foundation is looking now for a wellness center administrator, who should be on board by August.

The 55-page presentation by Catalyst included financial action plans and some basic property designs.