Over 80 Delaware philanthropists and supporters of HealthCorps joined founders Dr. Mehmet Oz and Lisa Oz at the home of Jeff and Kim Rollins in Greenville on Friday, September 29, to raise funds and awareness.
HealthCorps works to improve teen health in states across the country including California, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania and more. The team at HealthCorps is eager to add Delaware to the growing list. The organization will begin providing its program to teens through Teen Warehouse and Odyssey Charter School before expanding throughout the Wilmington area.
“Since 2003, HealthCorps has been working on the frontlines in high-need urban and rural schools bringing health and hope to students and their families,” says Dr. Oz, HealthCorps Founder and Chairman of the Board. “We nourish the minds and bodies of our nation’s most vulnerable teens, providing them with health-saving skills and a platform for their personal development through mentorship and leadership opportunities. Third-party research proves our program works. We are grateful for the support of the Delaware community and excited to provide this program here.”
The national 501c3 organization empowers teens to take control of their health through educational programming, leadership experiences and service learning. Since its inception, the organization has impacted 2.5 million teens in middle and high schools across the nation through in-school and out-of-school programs. Additionally, over one million students, parents, teachers and administrators have utilized HealthCorps’ digital curriculum.
The CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey notes that 37% of teens in Delaware report consistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness and over 18% consider suicide, with almost 9% actually making an attempt. And according to the 2022 Kids Count Data Book, 38% of Delaware children and teens (ages 10 – 17) are overweight or obese. Programs like HealthCorps aim to improve these statistics by helping teens feel empowered to improve their own mental and physical health.
“The challenges facing Delaware teens have changed significantly over the last several years,” explains HealthCorps President and CEO Amy Braun. “Our current generation of teens is facing unprecedented challenges in their physical health, behavioral health and social needs,” Braun continues. “The good news is that HealthCorps will address these challenges and encourage teens to take on health leadership roles in Delaware’s communities.”
Members of HealthCorps’ Board of Advisors, with ties to Delaware, served as event hosts. In addition to Kim Rollins, others included Mary Ann Kelly McDonald, Inci Porter, Jimmy Horty and Linda Ferrara.
“To host an event that will have such a direct impact on Delaware teens is incredibly gratifying,” says Rollins, who hosted the fundraising event in her Greenville home. “As a member of the organization’s Board of Advisors, I’m aware that 75% of the teens that go through the HealthCorps program are not only motivated to take care of their health but are motivated to help family and friends improve theirs. That’s a game changer for Delaware.”
For more information on HealthCorps, visit its website.
