CUNA
  • Advocacy
    • Priorities we’re fighting for
    • Actions you can take
  • News
  • Learn
  • Compliance
  • Shop
  • Topics
    • Compliance
    • Credit Union System
    • Directors
    • Human Resources
    • Leadership
    • Lending
    • Marketing
    • Operations
    • Policy & Issues
    • Sales & Service
    • Technology
  • Credit Union Magazine
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Digital Edition
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
    • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Awards
    • Nominate Credit Union Hero
    • Nominate Credit Union Rock Star
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Contact
Learn More about Member Value

News

Member Benefits
Learn more
Learn more about the benefits of membership.
Home » Disruptive community building
Human Resources Community Service

Disruptive community building

Allegacy Federal Credit Union’s partnership fosters financial and physical well-being.

June 10, 2018
Ron Jooss
No Comments
Disruptive Community Building
Cathy J. Pace, president/CEO of Allegacy FCU (left), and Dr. Julie Ann Freischlag, CEO of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and interim dean of Wake Forest School of Medicine, stand in the WellQ lobby.

Allegacy Federal Credit Union in Winston-Salem, N.C., has entered into a partnership—believed to be the first of its kind in the country—to improve both the physical and financial well-being of its community.

The partnership with Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center has resulted in the creation of WellQ, a membership-based service that provides access to convenient, high-quality health care for everyday illnesses and wellness needs, along with financial coaching and education.

Allegacy FCU

Click to enlarge. The rooms at WellQ are designed to treat everyday illnesses and promote wellness.

“There is a strong correlation between people’s physical and financial well-being because financial stress can negatively impact their physical health and vice versa,” says Cathy J. Pace, president/CEO of the $1.3 billion asset credit union.

“Health care expenses can be one of the top costs for families,” she says. “A WellQ membership can be a vital part of financial planning for those who need an affordable, convenient place to go for minor illnesses, as well as valuable financial education and planning assistance.”

Insurance isn’t accepted for clinic appointments or visit-related prescriptions at the onsite pharmacy. Appointments are made online or through a smartphone app. Payments are made by credit or debit cards—including those attached to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts.

“The clinic at WellQ is not designed to be a substitute for a primary care provider, but rather as a convenience that complements a person’s existing primary care provider and supports the physical and financial well-being of members,” says Dr. Julie Ann Freischlag, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center CEO and interim dean of Wake Forest School of Medicine. “The Allegacy-Wake Forest Baptist partnership is about becoming champions for improving the overall health and well-being of the folks who live and work in our community.”

Wellness is in Allegacy Federal’s DNA, as Pace likes to say. The credit union was named one of the 2017 Healthiest Workplaces in America by Healthiest Employers LLC, an organization that evaluates employers’ corporate health.

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center is a longtime Allegacy Federal select employee group, and it co-sponsors the annual Susan G. Komen Northwest NC Race for the Cure with the credit union.

“Together we found something that truly differentiates us,” Pace says. “Today everyone wants to be a disruptor, and I think we’ve truly achieved that. At the same time, we’ve found a way to be good partners in the community. That’s what makes this so exciting.”

  • Related Articles

    PODCAST: How to build a disruptive team

    TCPA continues to disrupt CU-member communications

    Blackhawk Community CU to donate building

Ron-jooss_600x515
Ron Jooss

The gospel of credit unions

More from this author

Post a comment to this article

Report Abusive Comment

Subscriber Exclusives Break-through branding

Break-through branding: Build an emotional connection

When Elevations Credit Union expanded into two new counties, senior leadership set out to tell its story in a bold, fresh way.
How technology transforms marketing

How technology transforms marketing

Artificial intelligence improves member conversions, engagement, and retention.
Analytics drives journey toward data nirvana

Analytics drives journey toward 'data nirvana'

Data analytics can provide the 'oh wow' moment of discovering member behavior.
Subscribe Now

Trending

  • It's time to expand our cooperative principles

  • Compliance: Checklist consolidates final rules, regs from 2018

  • Change is unconventional

Tweets by CUNA_News

Polls

Who should be the 2019 Credit Union Hero of the Year?

View Results
More

Champion of America’s Credit Unions

Credit Union National Association is the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America’s credit unions. We work tirelessly to protect your best interests in Washington and all 50 states. We fuel your professional growth at every level and champion the credit union story at every turn.

More CUNA

  • About
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Recommended Websites

Resources for

  • CUNA Board Members
  • Credit Union Advocates
  • Leagues
  • Press
  • Vendors