The Medicaid Health Plan That Cares
URAC Accredited Case Management NCQA Excellent Accreditation
News | Home > News > Press Releases: 2008
Press Releases: 2008
In the News
Get Press Releases
Contact Us
 

Healthy Hoops Coaches Receive Awards during St. Joseph's University Basketball Game

February 22, 2008
Philadelphia, PA
– Keystone Mercy Health Plan, AstraZeneca and the Healthy Hoops Coalition recently presented awards of appreciation to the coaches of the Healthy Hoops Program during a St. Joseph’s University basketball game.  The awards were given to the coaches during a special presentation at half time of the St. Joe’s vs. LaSalle game, held at the Palestra on the University of Pennsylvania campus. 

Keystone Mercy Health Plan, AstraZeneca and the Healthy Hoops Coalition recently presented awards of appreciation to the coaches of the Healthy Hoops Program during a St. Joseph’s University basketball game. The Healthy Hoops Program is a community health education program that uses basketball to educate children and families on how to manage asthma through proper nutrition, exercise, and medication use.  The program was developed through the vision of Daniel J. Hilferty, President and Chief Executive Officer of the AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies, which includes Keystone Mercy Health Plan, in collaboration with the three founding coaches, Sonny Hill, of the Sonny Hill League and Executive Advisor to the Philadelphia 76ers, Speedy Morris, former LaSalle University coach and current coach of St. Joseph’s Prep, and the late Jim Boyle, former St. Joseph’s University coach, who helped launch this program and make it a success.  These coaches have since been joined by coaches Bill Fox, former coach of Father Judge High School, Brian Daly, coach of “All Ball” and Monsignor Bonner High School, and Jimmie Baker, former Kentucky Colonels ABA player. 

The Healthy Hoops Program is a community health education program that uses basketball to educate children and families on how to manage asthma through proper nutrition, exercise, and medication use.  The program was developed through the vision of Keystone Mercy's President and CEO, Daniel J. Hilferty.

All six coaches have made an enormous contribution to the program and the Philadelphia community, teaching young people how to manage their asthma so that they can have fun and play basketball, while they improve the quality of their lives through asthma and nutrition screenings and health education.  The program has reached over 2,500 children and their families since it began in 2003. 

Maria Pajil Battle, Vice President of Public Affairs and Marketing for Keystone Mercy Health Plan, presented the awards to the coaches, on behalf of the Healthy Hoops Coalition.  Tess Boyle, wife of the late Jim Boyle, was in attendance to receive the award in memory of her husband.

© 2008 Keystone Mercy Health Plan. All rights reserved. Home | News Room | Employees | Site Map | Contact Us | Email-to-Friend | Print
Legal Statement and Terms of Use Notice of Privacy Practices for Members