New Leaf Hyperbarics
by Doria Maselli
Upskills Its Workforce with Business Solutions
Chad Redinbo and his wife Cat first learned of hyperbaric therapy while exploring treatment options for their six-year-old daughter, who was experiencing health challenges. "We were so impressed with the results that we decided this was something we needed to share," says Redinbo. They did research, put a team in place and opened New Leaf Hyperbarics in Lacey in 2013. What is hyperbaric therapy? According to New Leaf’s website, “Hyperbaric therapy (HBT) is the medical use of creating a pressurized environment at a level higher than 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA). Increased pressure allows oxygen to dissolve and saturate the blood plasma (independent of hemoglobin/red blood cells), which yields a broad variety of positive physiological, biochemical and cellular effects. This noninvasive therapy is the most trusted way to increase oxygen levels to all organs of the body. The typical treatment lasts 6090 minutes, during which the patient lies down and breathes normally.”
cancer patients, children with autism and ADHD, veterans with PTSD and clients of all ages. Hyperbaric therapy can help with a variety of conditions, healing and strengthening the body's cells and improving the functioning of all the body's systems.
While exploring some options for grants and resources during COVID-19 through the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC), Redinbo was referred to Michele Winn, Training & Development Manager for the Thurston Chamber. Michele serves the business liaison for the Future of Work Employee Development Program. The Pacific New Leaf Hyperbarics strives to progress Mountain Workforce Development the field of mild hyperbaric therapy (PacMtn) board set aside $100,000 for utilizing unparalleled customer service, their five-county region (Thurston, Lewis, compassion and professionalism. They Mason, Grays Harbor, Pacific) to foster have an excellent team of skilled and public-private partnerships to upskill experienced staff, referred to as "Team their workforce. Employers can apply for Green," working in a clean, caring and up to $15,000 per year to upskill their professional environment. Their focus is staff, helping them acquire new skills on overall health and well-being. New that help them move into higher skilled Leaf works with athletes, stroke and and higher-wage jobs in the company. thurstonchamber.com
Chad Redinbo (pictured), and his wife, Cat, own New Leaf Hyperbarics together. Photo courtesy of Chad.
Employers must agree to cost-sharing requirements based on the size of their workforce, and contributions can be in-kind with the employer paying employees their wages to attend the training. PacMtn contracts the Thurston County Chamber as a business solutions provider for the program, where Winn
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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