AmeriHealth Caritas, a national leader in Medicaid managed care, is partnering with the Philadelphia Eagles to launch the first in-classroom health and fitness learning modules associated with the National Football League (NFL).
The modules will provide engaging information focused on health, nutrition and physical fitness for elementary and middle school-aged children.
The goal of these modules, part of the commitment by AmeriHealth Caritas’ two Pennsylvania Medicaid managed care plans to support community-based health initiatives, is to help students understand the habits that impact their overall health and help them to make more informed decisions about diet and exercise. More than 140 Pennsylvania public schools in Philadelphia County, Delaware County, Allentown, Reading and Lancaster will have access to the modules.
The schools have been selected based on having student populations from low- or moderate-income households in communities that have a great need for additional resources. The modules will be available to these schools for three years.
“At the heart of our mission is developing students to be their own advocates and encouraging them to be the best versions of themselves,” said Laurena Tolson, principal of Add B. Anderson School in Philadelphia. “A key part of that is teaching them how to make healthy choices, like eating nutritious foods and being physically active. However, resources are often limited at public schools and even more so for those located in produce deserts like ours,” she continued. “We are grateful to AmeriHealth Caritas for providing our school with this valuable tool and look forward to seeing the impact it has on our students for years to come.”
This initiative is part of an ongoing, strategic partnership between AmeriHealth Caritas and the Philadelphia Eagles, aimed at addressing the social determinants of health that impact families in the Greater Philadelphia area and beyond. It is the first in-classroom, educational program sponsored/supported by the Philadelphia Eagles and the National Football League, as existing efforts primarily focus on the benefits of healthy habits and proper exercise outside the four walls of schools.
“We are focused on helping our members of all ages make important lifestyle choices that can lead to healthier, more productive lives,” said Paul Tufano, Chairman and Chief executive Officer of AmeriHealth Caritas. “For children, we know that wellness education at a young age can influence healthy choices and actions in the future. By working with the Philadelphia Eagles to advance this program, we are making a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of the children in our communities.”
For AmeriHealth Caritas, addressing factors that impact an individual’s health is fundamental to its mission of building strong and healthy communities across the states it serves. More specifically, as a Pennsylvania-based company, it has a special commitment to instilling wellness ideals among the Commonwealth’s youth in order to provide a healthier future. This is especially important for schools in low-income areas that may not have access to additional tools or nutritious foods that are vital to healthy lifestyles.
“The Philadelphia Eagles are dedicated to helping children enjoy the benefits of physical activity and healthy habits,” said Catherine Carlson, Senior Vice President, Revenue and Strategy, Philadelphia Eagles. “Extending our efforts to the classroom is a critical step to empowering our youth to live well-rounded lives. We are thrilled to support AmeriHealth Caritas’ leadership as we help area-based public schools with resources needed to make healthy living obtainable for all children.”
