Sutter Health has formed a dynamic partnership with Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young and the Forever Young Foundation, aiming to enhance youth health and wellness across Northern California. Their collaboration is designed to provide community-based programs that promote physical activity, boost confidence, and cultivate social connections among young people.
The initiative kicked off with a girls’ youth flag football clinic at Palo Alto High School, which took place on a Saturday morning. This event allowed local girls aged 7 to 14 to engage in skill-building exercises and participate in mentorship opportunities that prioritize connection and movement. While the clinic was invitation-only, it underscored the commitment of both partners to offer enriching experiences for youth beyond the typical healthcare environment.
Warner Thomas, the president and CEO of Sutter Health, highlighted the significance of linking healthcare efforts with community engagement. He pointed to previous successful partnerships like Sophie’s Place, a music therapy program for pediatric patients, which showcases the positive impact these collaborations can have. This new venture aims to promote healthy lifestyles through active participation and confidence-building activities.
Steve Young emphasized the vital importance of physical education in promoting long-term health. He noted that his relationship with Sutter Health spans nearly a decade and has evolved in meaningful ways. By extending the reach of flag football, Young intends to make sports more enjoyable and accessible, fostering inclusivity and enhancing well-being among young athletes.
The collaboration is rooted in the understanding that health prevention begins in childhood, as children grow physically, cognitively, and emotionally. Programs that emphasize movement, play, and expressive creativity are pivotal in developing emotional resilience and social capabilities that contribute to lasting health.
Dr. Denah Taggart, chair of Sutter’s Children’s Health Service Line, pointed out the wider advantages of providing safe and joyful activities for children. Such initiatives go beyond just promoting physical exercise; they play a crucial role in helping children build confidence and a sense of community—elements that are essential for their overall well-being. She commended the partnership with the Forever Young Foundation for improving access to these beneficial programs.
Pediatrician Dr. Rebecca Fazilat asserted that fostering youth health begins well before clinical interventions become necessary. She emphasized that investing in programs like those with Steve Young’s foundation is vital for instilling healthy habits and emotional resilience, which are integral to lifelong wellness.
Looking ahead, the partnership plans to broaden initiatives such as the Girls Flag Football program alongside other inclusive wellness efforts aimed at overcoming challenges faced by communities with limited access to health-promoting resources.
This collaborative effort draws on successful past projects like Sophie’s Place, established in 2016 at the Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento, which provides a therapeutic music environment for children coping with pain and illness. Additionally, Forever Young Zones in hospitals create recreational play areas to help young patients find relief during medical treatments.
Through this partnership, Sutter Health and the Forever Young Foundation are committed to developing programs that promote healthier lifestyles for youth. Their collective endeavors underscore the importance of prevention, inclusion, and community support in fostering the well-being of Northern California’s younger generations.