By: Ashmar Mandou

A new collaboration between Meridian Health Plan of Illinois and Chicago Fire FC aims to address health disparities and bring about consistent awareness and benefits through multiple programs. In a recent media event, Meridian Plan President and Chief Executive Officer Cristal Gary remarked on the importance of the new multiyear partnership. “The partnership with Chicago Fire FC is an important opportunity to drive meaningful change as we work together to improve health for Chicagoans. From sports-based learning in elementary schools to providing vaccines city-wide, we are pleased to work with Chicago Fire FC and look forward to having a sustained and positive impact – creating a healthier community for years to come.” One particular program designed to usher in a plethora of health opportunities is the Chicago Fire Foundation’s P.L.A.Y.S. (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer) Program, which will help in the social and emotional skills of elementary school students across the City. Meridian Senior Vice President, Legislative and Governmental Affairs Jeanette Badrov expanded on the significance of the new partnership and how the P.L.A.Y.S. program will transform the lives of youth.

Lawndale News: Recently, Meridian Health Plan of Illinois announced a new partnership with the Chicago Fire with the goal of addressing and reducing health disparities around Chicago.  Can you talk to me about the significance of this partnership and what programs you would like to see come to fruition?
Jeanette Badrov: Meridian is always looking for innovative ways to reach and help transform the health of the people in the diverse communities we serve. Chicago Fire FC (the Fire) has been deeply rooted in the community since 1998 and shares our commitment to supporting the health of community members throughout Chicagoland. Together, we have a uniquely local opportunity to drive impact – at scale – and reduce health disparities in disproportionately impacted areas. We look forward to partnering with the Fire to bring impactful, sports-based curriculum programs and services to more than 1,200 youth, aiming to reach all 77 Chicagoland neighborhoods.

LN: This newfound partnership has a youth initiative component, the Chicago Fire Foundation’s P.L.A.Y.S. Program.  How do you hope this program transforms the lives of youth across Chicago? 
JB: Healthy habits and behaviors start early, and we are excited to be able to work in partnership with the Fire to create healthy lifestyles for Chicago’s youth through the Chicago Fire Foundation’s P.L.A.Y.S. (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer) Program. This program works to enhance the academic, social, and emotional skills of more than 1,200 elementary school students across Chicago’s neighborhoods – north, south, east, and west – each year. Our partnership will ensure that local youth have access to essential health services and receive incentives for participating in routine health screenings.

LN: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Latino youth have pressing mental health needs, but often do not receive adequate mental health care. In addition, according to the National Institutes of Health, Latino youth face higher incidences of diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.; through this partnership, what tools do you hope to give to Latino youth to help them take control of their health?
JB: Given the Fire’s diverse fan base is 68 percent Hispanic, and 47percent are families with one or more children, this partnership will allow us to reach individuals from various backgrounds, including Latine youth. Through various integrations in our communities, Latine community members will have access to care, important health information, as well as programs that provide youth with physical and emotional skills. For example, Meridian will sponsor the Chicago Fire Foundation’s community soccer clinics at the North Austin Center. The goal of the program is for children to increase physical activity, while gaining social and emotional learning skills and receiving health education. This program will provide youth participants with tools needed to take control of their health.

LN: How do you hope to implement these programs?
JB: Meridian will work in concert with the Fire and other partners to support increased health education and outreach to drive health equity, awareness and access. The Fire’s Street Team and Meridian’s in-stadium and community activations offer multiple ways for us to generate awareness, increase access and bring services, programs and resources to more people. Together, we have a timely opportunity to have a meaningful impact for community members and youth.

LN: Is there a particular aspect of the youth initiative you are most thrilled to see develop in the coming year?
JB: Sports is a universal language. It is a great way to engage our community in healthier lifestyles – starting with our youth. We are excited to support the P.L.A.Y.S. (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer) program, which enhances the academic, social and emotional skills of elementary school students, including teaching youth how to control their emotions which is a key to overcoming adversity.

LN: Will the program be affordable for families?
JB: There is no charge for the P.L.A.Y.S. program, which serves children in grades three through five across 50 local public schools and counting. To learn more about eligibility requirements, visit the Chicago Fire Foundation’s P.L.A.Y.S. webpage. Also, Meridian is a sponsor of the Chicago Fire Foundation’s Kicks For Kids program, which provides economically or otherwise challenged youth in the Chicagoland area with an opportunity to enjoy a Chicago Fire match at no cost. While there is no cost associated with the programs, some of the opportunities for children and their families to participate will be offered upon the completion of taking steps to better their health.

LN: What do you hope families gain from the partnership between Meridian Health Plan of Illinois and the Chicago Fire?
JB: We hope that this partnership increases awareness of important health information and access to care – from screenings, immunizations and social and emotional tools to sports-based programs – for families across Chicagoland. By partnering with Chicago Fire’s community engagement team, together we can improve the health of our communities one neighborhood at a time.

Photo Caption 1 and 2) Chicago Fire Foundation P.L.A.Y.S. event
Photo Caption 2) (Left to right) Andrea Davenport, Dr. Rutu Ezhuthachan, and Megan Barton with Meridian alongside the Chicago Fire Mascot Sparky
Photo Caption 3) Meridian Plan President and CEO Cristal Gary with the Chicago Fire Mascot Sparky

Photo Credit: Chicago Fire FC