BRADFORD – The University of Pittsburgh Bradford is one of only 145 universities and colleges worldwide to be recognized by Exercise is Medicine® for its efforts in creating a culture of health on campus.
This marks the fifth year Pitt-Bradford has received Gold certification and the seventh year athletics on campus have been recognized as medical.
The main requirements for a Gold Level campus designation are the recording of physical activity vital signs in student medical records and a referral system between campus health services and the exercise science program. Campus-offered recreational activities and Student Affairs-sponsored events helped Pitt-Bradford earn its Gold Level designation.
The University of Pittsburgh-Bradford has been recognized for its Campus Motion is Medicine program every year since 2018. This year, the university was one of 83 universities worldwide to receive Gold-level recognition for its efforts.
“We are thrilled and honored to receive the 'Exercise is Medicine on Campus' Gold Award for the fifth consecutive year,” said Dr. Mark Kelly, director of the Exercise Science Program. “This is the seventh time we've received this award since the program began in 2018. Being one of only 83 universities worldwide to receive the Gold Award demonstrates our campus' commitment to the wellness of our students, faculty and staff.”
Kelly received the award at the American College of Sports Medicine's annual meeting in Boston. “Exercise is Medicine” is the organization's community outreach initiative. The university also appointed Kelly to a three-year term on the campus Exercise is Medicine committee.
“Campus Exercise is Medicine” calls on universities to promote physical activity as an important sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of their campus communities.
Exercise is Medicine on Campus launched the awards program in 2014 to recognize each campus's efforts toward creating a culture of health. Schools earn Gold, Silver or Bronze status based on their activities.
Other members involved in Pitt-Bradford's “Campus Exercise is Medicine” initiative are Zachary Stark, lecturer of exercise science; Cassandra Preston, assistant professor of exercise science; and exercise science majors Jenny Schmidt of Angola, New York, and Jordan Walsh of Allegany, New York.
