Partnership Increases Access to Wellness Programs

LIVINGSTON, NJ –  Together, the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield Of New Jersey are making health and wellness more accessible by offering discounted YMCA memberships to Horizon members at 41 locations across New Jersey, including at Sussex County and West Essex YMCAs.

“Physical activity has countless benefits to strengthen the spirit, mind and body,” said the YMCA Alliance Chief Executive Officer Julie Gallanty. “We’re thrilled to join forces with Horizon to ensure more people can access the Y’s healthy living programs and supportive resources.” Through Dec. 31, 2025, Horizon members may receive a 15 percent discount on their monthly YMCA memberships and those joining the Y as new members will also enjoy waived initiation fees.

“Horizon is grateful to collaborate with the Alliance for a second year to make it easier and more affordable to engage in a healthy lifestyle by joining a local YMCA,” said Horizon’s Senior Vice President of Government & Community Affairs Uli Diaz. “YMCAs have long been community hubs and trusted partners for generations of New Jerseyans who have learned to swim, joined a team, and improved their physical fitness and overall health. Through this collaboration, participating YMCAs are more affordable for our members, and we reaffirm a shared goal of empowering individuals to achieve their best health,” Diaz said.



This collaboration continues a long-standing relationship between the YMCA Alliance and Horizon, both committed to improving the physical and mental health of New Jersey residents. 

“The Metro YMCA of the Oranges has had a meaningful long-term relationship with the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. This collaboration helps us extend our shared mission to help even more kids and families achieve healthier outcomes,” said Richard K. Gorab, President and CEO of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges. At Sussex and West Essex Ys, members can experience a variety of traditional fitness programs along with swim lessons, child care, summer camps, youth and sports recreation, chronic disease prevention, mental health resources, and much more. The YMCA Alliance leads a coalition of 30 independent YMCA associations throughout New Jersey, serving as an advocate to advance public policy, statewide initiatives, strategic partnerships, and service delivery that help improve community health and advance equity for families.

For more details about the discount program offered, call 973-758-9039.

For a complete list of participating YMCA locations, visit https://www.horizonblue.com/ymca.

### ABOUT THE Y Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its six branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston and Stillwater are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.

About the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance


The YMCA Alliance is a statewide nonprofit organization leading a coalition of 30 independent YMCA associations. Through public policy, statewide initiatives, strategic partnerships, and service delivery, the YMCA Alliance fosters a greater ability for YMCAs, community partners and leaders across the state to impact families, improve community health and advance equity. Our collective voice strengthens local communities while promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

For more information, visit www.njymca.org. 

About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey


Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state's leading health solutions company, and its affiliates provide a wide array of medical, dental, vision and prescription insurance products and services. Horizon BCBSNJ is leading the transformation of health care in New Jersey by working with doctors and hospitals to deliver innovative, patient-centered programs that are improving healthcare quality, cost, and convenience. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association serving approximately 3.5 million members. 

Learn more at HorizonBlue.com.