The Leadership Washington class facilitated by the Washington Chamber of Commerce learned about health and wellness in the county this month. 

The class started their health and wellness day at the United Presbyterian Home where they had a campus tour. 

Dr. Megan Hangartner of Modern Eye Care talked about a variety of issues that can affect the eyes. The next stop was the Washington YMCA, where City Administrator Joe Gaa gave an update on the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. Following his presentation, the class had a tour of the Y facilities. 

The class also visited Washington County Hospitals and Clinics. John Woodward with the WCHC Foundation gave an update on the funds the Foundation has secured for added improvements in 2026 including the recent cancer services announcement of the Havel Family Cancer Center and the Light the Way Fund. They toured the hospital, and then heard a presentation from speech pathologist Steve Loew on how speech and swallowing can be affected during the aging process. The class also toured the Hospice of Washington County facility.  

The Leadership Washington program consists of nine sessions aimed at nurturing and educating current and future leaders in the community.