Dignity Health | hello Healthy | Fall 2019

HelloHealthy | Fall 2019 3 We hope you enjoy this issue of HelloHealthy . Comments about the publication can be directed to the Marketing and Communications Department: DIGNITY HEALTH – Mercy and Memorial Hospitals P.O. Box 119, Bakersfield, CA 93302 | 661.327.4647, ext. 4434 HelloHealthy is published by Dignity Health – Mercy and Memorial Hospitals to provide general health information. It is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2019 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Marketing and Communications Department Robin Mangarin-Scott—Vice President, Strategic Marketing and Communications–Central California Michelle Willow—Director of External Communications–Central California Cody Brutlag—Marketing Director–Central California Gabe Ulloa—Marketing Manager–Central California Jessica Neeley—Communications Specialist–Central California Fabiana Rienzo—Communications Manager–Central California Michelle Oliver—Marketing Manager–Central California A new state-of-the-art sports complex is coming to Kern County with the goal of helping young, aspiring athletes keep their eye on the ball. Dignity Health is teaming up with Gameday Sports Academy to bring a first-of-its- kind, multi-sport indoor complex to Bakersfield. The Dignity Health Sports Complex, Event & Educational Center combines sports, education, and entertainment all under one roof. A whole new ballgame “This is a unique facility. We know kids are going to show up for sports, and this gives us an opportunity, while we have their attention, to talk about health and wellness, education, and leadership,” says Arleana Waller, founder of SHEPower Leadership Academy and a co-partner of Gameday Sports Academy. The 55,000 square-foot facility will include five collegiate basketball, volleyball, and futsal courts, two weight room areas, and more than 3,000 square feet dedicated to educational sessions, like after-school tutoring. It will also include a 3,000-square-foot multipurpose area that can be used for special events. Several nonprofit, educational, and empowerment organizations will offer services to the facility’s members. “Athletes learn such amazing leadership skills through sports, but the question becomes, ‘How do we translate that into real life?’” Waller says. “Our goal is to teach these kids how to contribute to the community throughout their lives.” On the athletic side, the complex aims to become a prominent sports hub for local student-athletes, along with hosting tournaments for teams from the Central Valley and across the state. The complex will also focus on mentoring, teaching life lessons, and providing educational support. Building athletes on and off the court is a game plan Dignity Health can get behind. “Dignity Health is proud to support activities and events that benefit the health and well-being of young athletes in our community. We are excited to be involved in this unique program that focuses on sportsmanship, excellence, and collaboration,” says Robin Mangarin-Scott, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Dignity Health – Central California. “Dignity Health gets it,” Waller says. “They are truly committed to the health and wellness of the youth in our community. It’s a perfect partnership.” A team effort The sports complex will be membership-driven, but organizers plan to partner with local nonprofit programs to support more than 2,000 kids from over 130 Kern County schools. Community partners include SHEPower Leadership Academy, Basketball Universe Academy, Kern River Volleyball Club, and the South Valley Thunder Soccer Club. Educators from The University of La Verne will also be on-site offering tutoring and scholarship opportunities for student-athletes through the “Streamline to Success” program. “We want the facility to be a hub for sports but also a safe zone for kids in our community,” Waller says. The Dignity Health Sports Complex, Event & Educational Center opens in October in the old Track House building on Gilmore Avenue. It will be owned and managed by Gameday Sports Academy. A league of its own