Niagara Leader

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center has announced that Mark Campbell will join as the new coach for its Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives (PEARLS). Mark Campbell brings with him a diverse background, having served in the U.S. Air Force’s 102nd Tactical Air Command, owned bookstores across five states for two decades, managed at Home Depot in Florida for six years, and worked as an educator for ten years.

The PEARLS program provides free in-home counseling to individuals aged 62 and older who may be experiencing depression due to life changes such as loss of loved ones or health issues. It includes structured coaching sessions focusing on problem-solving techniques, social and physical activation, and pleasant activity scheduling.

Since January 2023, PEARLS has enrolled 73 participants with 38 completing the program. Participants have shown a significant reduction in symptoms of major depression by 32% and minor depression by 47%, along with a notable increase in social and physical activities by 45% and pleasant activities by 32%.

The program remains vital for older adults in Niagara Falls and nearby areas, addressing challenges related to poverty, isolation, and chronic illness. With Mark Campbell joining as a coach, NFMMC continues its commitment to enhancing the lives of older adults.

For further information about PEARLS or referrals, contact NFMMC at 716-523-8415.

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center was founded in 1895. It is a full-service regional medical center located in downtown Niagara Falls, NY. The facility offers extensive inpatient and outpatient services including centers for stroke care, heart care, wellness connection, wound care, OB/GYN services, and orthopedics & sports medicine through UBMD.