The Center for Health Improvement Earns Five‑Year MFA Recertification

The Center for Health Improvement (CHI) in Hays has once again earned facility recertification from the Medical Fitness Association (MFA), a distinguished recognition awarded only to medically integrated fitness centers that meet the highest national standards for safety, quality, programming, and clinical oversight. This five‑year recertification reaffirms CHI’s commitment to delivering evidence‑based, medically supervised fitness and wellness services to the region.

The MFA certification is the only credential of its kind in the medical fitness industry. Facilities undergo a rigorous on‑site review and must meet strict, nationally recognized standards for safety, clinical integration, staff training, and program quality. For the Center for Health Improvement, this recertification affirms its long‑standing commitment to promoting health, preventing disease, and supporting the well‑being of the Hays community.

“Receiving MFA recertification as we approach our 25th anniversary is incredibly meaningful,” said Stephanie Howie, Director of The Center for Health Improvement. “For 24 years, CHI has continued to innovate, grow, and build programs that make a real impact on community health. This certification affirms the high standards we hold ourselves to every day.”

Innovation, Growth & Community Impact
Throughout its history, CHI has expanded its role as a regional leader in health and wellness. Key initiatives and partnerships include:

• LiveWell- a twelve-week exercise program designed for individuals living with or at risk of developing diabetes, heart or vessel disease, cancer, and obesity. Entry into LiveWell requires a referral from your healthcare provider.

• A new partnership with the Hays Senior Center- offering free weekly wellness classes and the monthly “A Healthy Conversation” educational series.

• Fit‑X AI Fitness Technology Pilot Site- CHI became the first pilot location in the United States to introduce Fit‑X, an AI‑powered personal training system that uses real‑time data and adaptive training plans to enhance safety and effectiveness.

• Lifelong Vitality Initiative-  In partnership with The Grove, CHI is helping bring a nearly $1 million, 25,000‑square‑foot outdoor fitness space to life. Adjacent to CHI and the Bob & Pat Schmidt Community Center, this inclusive, multigenerational outdoor fitness area will be open to the public and designed to promote community-wide health.

“As the incidence of chronic disease continues to rise, the need for medical fitness facilities to offer a high standard of programming for the communities they serve is more important than ever,” said David Flench, FACHE, FMFA, President and CEO of the Medical Fitness Association. “The Center for Health Improvement has taken an important step in providing this extraordinary level of care.”

Looking Toward 25 Years of Service
This five‑year recertification comes as CHI approaches its 25‑year anniversary, a milestone that reflects decades of innovation, community partnerships, and commitment to medically integrated fitness. From advancing new technologies to expanding accessible wellness programs, CHI remains dedicated to elevating health and wellness for the Hays community, now and for many years to come.

About the Medical Fitness Association
The Medical Fitness Association (MFA), a non-profit professional membership organization, was formed in 1991 to assist medically integrated health and fitness centers achieve their full potential. MFA provides industry standards, educational programs, certification opportunities, benchmark data, professional development, and networking opportunities for improving operational success and healthcare integration. MFA’s vision is to be the leading force in the healthcare and fitness industries dedicated to inspiring and empowering those who seek to deliver the medical fitness model through holistic wellness solutions.