Cetronia Ambulance Corps Becomes the 3rd Organization to Achieve Blue Zones Project® Approved Worksite Status

February 13, 2026 | Category: Press Releases

A Major Step Forward in Supporting Employee Well-Being and Strengthening Community Health

Allentown, PA – Cetronia Ambulance Corps, one of Eastern Pennsylvania’s most respected EMS providers, is proud to announce its official designation as a Blue Zones Project® Approved Worksite as of February 9th, 2026. This achievement reflects the organization’s deep commitment to improving the health, well-being, and resilience of its more than 200 employees, while continuing its long-standing legacy of service to the region.

Founded in 1955 by eight dedicated volunteers, Cetronia Ambulance Corps has evolved from a small, community-based effort into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving over 226,000 residents across 160 square miles, responding to more than 43,000 emergency calls per year. With a fleet of 49 vehicles, cutting-edge operations, and a mission centered on compassionate, high-quality care, Cetronia is a critical healthcare partner throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

Blue Zones Project® Approval Highlights

Cetronia implemented a comprehensive set of well-being practices to earn designation as a Blue Zones Project Approved worksite, demonstrating its commitment to supporting healthier, happier, and more engaged employees.

Key accomplishments include:

Health on Wheels – “Rolling Into Wellness” Initiative

Cetronia created a comprehensive new health-promotion brand that delivers weekly wellness tips, recipes, and movement routines across multiple internal platforms, including Microsoft Engage, Paycom, the Cetronia Insider e-newsletter, and communication boards at each station. A complete 52-week messaging calendar ensures continuous well-being support for staff.

Community Health & Wellness Expo

Cetronia hosts an annual public Health & Wellness Expo, featuring 32 vendors in 2025. Attendees accessed flu shots, glucose readings, blood pressure checks, hearing screenings, CPR demonstrations, and mental health resources. Approximately 200 community members participated this year, reinforcing Cetronia’s commitment to regional health education.

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

Recognizing the unique emotional toll of EMS work, Cetronia provides CISM services to help providers recover from traumatic events. This program offers structured, compassionate support to mitigate stress, accelerate healing, and identify when additional care is needed.

Measuring Impact Through Blue Zones Practices

Cetronia will continue strengthening its workplace environment by tracking:

  • Worker’s compensation claims
  • Insurance claim costs
  • Employee engagement survey results
  • Participation in new crockpot moai groups launching this winter

These data points will guide Cetronia’s long-term employee well-being strategies.

A Partnership Rooted in Community Impact

Cetronia played an instrumental role in expanding Blue Zones Project connections across the Allentown zone—supporting introductions with organizations such as Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and the Western Lehigh Chamber of Commerce Board.

Why Blue Zones Project®?

EMS professionals face elevated risks for physical and mental health challenges. Research highlights:

  • 41% obesity rate and 23% smoking rate among EMS professionals (2025)
  • 33.9% meeting criteria for metabolic syndrome (2023)
  • High exposure to stress, trauma, erratic sleep patterns, and physically demanding work

For an organization of Cetronia’s size and regional influence, prioritizing employee well-being is essential to maintaining a strong, sustainable EMS system. Blue Zones Project provides a proven framework to improve health outcomes and enhance quality of life for frontline responders.

Transformational Testimonies: Weight Warriors Success Story

Cetronia’s long-running Weight Warriors Challenge continues to inspire measurable transformation.

  • 2024: 20 participants collectively lost 129.4 pounds
  • 2025 to date: 15 participants have lost 80 pounds

Motivational resources such as journals, shaker bottles, and milestone gifts help participants stay engaged and supported.

Leadership Champions

Cetronia’s designation was made possible by the dedication of its Blue Zones Project Champions:

  • Kim Blichar, Chief Marketing and Development Officer
  • Lauren Blichar, Marketing Assistant
  • Robert F. Mateff Sr., Chief Executive Officer

About Cetronia Ambulance Corps

Since 1955, Cetronia Ambulance Corps has been a trusted provider of emergency medical services, transportation, and community health programming throughout the Lehigh Valley and surrounding counties. With a mission focused on delivering reliable, compassionate, and efficient care—regardless of ability to pay—Cetronia continues to innovate and lead the way in regional EMS excellence.