SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes today announced a partnership with Kaiser Permanente. The partnership will unite both organizations as they strive to improve health and wellness among youth in underserved communities across the Bay Area.
“We’re excited to partner with Kaiser Permanente on initiatives to support our local youth,” said Earthquakes Vice President of Strategy Ian Anderson. “Kaiser Permanente has a strong presence in our community and shares our commitment to providing opportunity for the next generation. We look forward to making a positive impact together.”
Kaiser Permanente will take on a leadership role in supporting local youth as presenting sponsor of the Get Earthquakes Fit program, an ongoing effort to reduce childhood obesity, which affects nearly 14 million American kids. Get EQ Fit is a health and fitness program targeted at elementary school children that upholds the California state education standards.
At PayPal Park, the Earthquakes and Kaiser Permanente will debut the THRIVE court, a new mini-pitch adjacent to the Epicenter that will provide accessible space for year-round youth soccer activities and serve as a gathering place for the local community. Additionally, Kaiser Permanente will sponsor youth soccer team programs on gamedays, including providing opportunity for local youth to participate as official player escorts and flag kids.
“We are proud to support this effort, which will help to improve the health and well-being of our community,” said Eric Williams, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara. “The COVID-19 pandemic created many challenges for our youth, particularly in underserved communities, and we know this program will help to provide the much-needed resources and support our community needs to remain healthy.”
Kaiser Permanente will also play an active role in Pledge 74, the Quakes’ organization-wide effort to eliminate food insecurity in the South Bay. For every Quakes assist during the season, Kaiser Permanente will donate $500 to Pledge 74. For more information on Pledge 74, click here.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and nonprofit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.