AmeriHealth Caritas Partnership, the corporate foundation of AmeriHealth Caritas, recently introduced the dynamic and educational Healthy Hoops program to Palm Beach County, hosting events in conjunction with five Palm Beach County Boys and Girls Club sites in the June 13 to 16.
The four days of activities drew more than 1,200 Boys and Girls Club summer camp participants from across the county. Volunteers from AmeriHealth Caritas Partnership, Boys and Girls Clubs and community staff led young participants through basketball clinics and provided educational and entertainment opportunities. The program educates local children about the challenges associated with asthma and how to adopt healthy lifestyles. According to 2021 Florida Department of Health data, approximately 10% of middle and high school students in the state currently have asthma.
Healthy Hoops is a hands-on, community-based program that teaches children and their families how to manage asthma and related health issues. Using basketball as a platform, Healthy Hoops provides a fun and active learning environment for kids ages 3-18. At the same time, it encourages them to adopt healthy lifestyles and behaviors, helping them to better understand their asthma, reduce or eliminate chronic diseases. , and take charge of their health – on and off the pitch.
At each of the five local events, kids learned valuable health information and received practical basketball tips from the coaches. Children also received Healthy Hoops items including basketball hoops, t-shirts, reusable water bottles, basketballs, gym bags and basketball pumps.
Founded in 2011 by AmeriHealth Caritas as a nonprofit organization, AmeriHealth Caritas Partnership addresses health and health care disparities by expanding health promotion programs to locations across the country. These award-winning, evidence-based initiatives educate vulnerable communities about the importance of promoting healthy choices and adopting healthy lifestyles. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritaspartnership.org.
