Sutter Health has announced a significant partnership with Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young and the Forever Young Foundation aimed at promoting youth health and wellness through community initiatives that encourage physical activity and personal growth. This collaboration will launch with a special girls’ youth flag football clinic scheduled for January 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Palo Alto High School. This event is tailored for local girls ages 7-14 and will focus on skill-building, mentorship, and fostering connections among participants.
Warner Thomas, president and CEO of Sutter Health, expressed enthusiasm for this collaboration, emphasizing the organization’s dedication to youth health and the positive impact of combining healthcare with community outreach. He noted past successful programs, including Sophie’s Place—a music therapy initiative that serves pediatric patients—showcasing the potential of such partnerships to enhance the well-being of young people beyond traditional healthcare environments.
Steve Young echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of physical activity in building the lifelong healthy habits and self-confidence of youth. He stated that their ongoing collaboration with Sutter Health has been fruitful for nearly a decade and focuses on making sports like flag football accessible and enjoyable for kids.
This partnership underscores a shared belief in the foundational importance of childhood development. Through sports and play, children can acquire essential life skills, emotional resilience, and social capabilities that contribute to their overall health. Dr. Denah Taggart of Sutter Children’s Health Service Line reinforced this message, indicating that creating safe and enjoyable opportunities for movement significantly contributes to children’s long-term wellness.
Sutter Health and the Forever Young Foundation also aim to address health disparities by focusing their initiatives on communities that face barriers to wellness opportunities. By promoting programs such as girls’ flag football and other youth-centric health initiatives, they are investing in the future of young athletes and emphasizing the significance of equipping them with necessary life skills and healthy habits.
Sutter Health is a not-for-profit healthcare system committed to delivering comprehensive and accessible care throughout California, serving over 3.5 million patients with a focus on community partnerships. Meanwhile, the Forever Young Foundation, established by Steve Young in 1993, strives to support children facing significant challenges by providing them with opportunities for growth and development in various domains, including academic and athletic pursuits.
Together, these organizations are taking proactive steps to inspire a healthier generation, highlighting the value of community involvement in youth development and wellbeing.