CareSource Bayou Health and partners empower local students through “Third Ward Hoops”

As college basketball season commences, CareSource Bayou Health, a joint venture between Legacy Community Health and nonprofit managed care organization CareSource, collaborated with the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and the University of Houston Men’s Basketball team to host “Third Ward Hoops.” This educational initiative aimed to provide 60 local students with essential resources pertaining to healthy lifestyles, mental health awareness, and drug prevention.

"At CareSource Bayou Health, we firmly believe in the transformative power of sports in promoting physical and mental well-being,” said Jason Neerman, spokesperson for CareSource Bayou Health. “Engaging in activities like basketball not only fosters a healthy lifestyle, but also instills valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Through events like 'Third Ward Hoops,' we aim to inspire and equip young individuals with the tools they need to lead happy, healthy lives."

The event commenced with a motivational gathering of fifth-grade students at HISD’s Lockhart Elementary School. The students had the unique opportunity to engage in a variety of activities:

• Actively participate in basketball drills guided by University of Houston Men's Basketball player Ryan Elvin, who had just launched his season on Monday, November 6.
• Engage in discussions and activities led by Elvin and Neerman, focused on creating awareness about the critical importance of positive attitudes, respecting teachers and parents, and mental health.
• Receive hygiene kits containing fundamental health necessities such as soap, deodorant, tissues, floss, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, and more.

The collaboration was designed to enhance access to quality educational opportunities in underserved communities within Houston's Third Ward, with plans to organize additional events in the future.

“I appreciated the opportunity to come out and interact with the fifth graders today, they kept me on my toes during the dribbling drills,” said Ryan Elvin, spokesperson for University of Houston Men’s Basketball team. “As a team we love giving back to our community and I’m glad I was able to do so right in our backyard.”

CareSource Bayou Health is a joint venture between CareSource and Legacy Community Health, combining both organization’s mission-driven approaches for a lasting difference in the health of members and communities. Supported by CareSource’s 30+ years of managed health plan experience and Legacy’s 40+ years of serving the community with a mission to drive healthy change, CareSource Bayou Health intends to offer Texas Medicaid managed care recipients comprehensive health coverage, provide access to the best physicians and deliver compassion and care.

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