09/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/05/2024 12:44
MemorialCare has been named the official health care sponsor of Long Beach State Athletics. This five-year partnership, extending through June 30, 2029, will increase the awareness of important health care initiatives throughout Long Beach State Athletics' season.
"Considering our rich history with California State University Long Beach, and as one of the largest health care providers in Long Beach, it seemed like a perfect fit. Continuing to expand this private-public partnership and bringing health awareness and education to Athletics just makes sense."
- Blair Kent, CEO, MemorialCare's Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach
MemorialCare and Long Beach State have a strong organic connection as they both operate in the city of Long Beach. MemorialCare is one of the largest health care providers in the area, while Long Beach State is a prominent California State University located in the same city. In fact, more than 800 current MemorialCare employees throughout Los Angeles and Orange County are Long Beach State alumni.
Two years ago, MemorialCare and Long Beach State announced they were teaming up to create a new clinic on the university campus that will combine clinical education with clinical practice - a partnership unique to the state of California. The partnership aims to transform health care education, increase the number of allied health practitioners entering the workforce, and promote health equity in the community.
Throughout Long Beach State Athletics' season, MemorialCare will be the game sponsor for multiple sports, including men's and women's volleyball, men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, women's soccer, and men's and women's water polo. MemorialCare will support health education messaging and awareness throughout various games. The partnership with MemorialCare was created with Long Beach Athletics in conjunction with Learfield's Beach Sports.
"As a leading health care provider in Southern California and pillar in the city of Long Beach, we are excited to partner with MemorialCare to highlight the very best of their services and resources through Long Beach State Athletics. Healthy living is a core belief we share with MemorialCare, and this partnership will unite our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and the Long Beach community in that shared mission."
- Bobby Smitheran, executive director of athletics, Long Beach State Athletics
In addition to being game sponsors, MemorialCare will partner with select student athletes to shadow nurses at Long Beach Medical Center and participate in special visits with pediatric patients at Miller Children's & Women's.
"As a teaching hospital we will partner with athletes studying health care to look for ways to bring them to in to visit our hospitals to bring joy to our patients and at the same time learn more about the medical field," says Kent. "MemorialCare is always looking for ways to give back to the community, and we are excited to use this partnership to encourage aspiring health care professionals to continue to pursue their studies."
This collaboration reflects MemorialCare's ongoing dedication to enhancing community health and supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Beach Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield - the media and technology company powering college sports - is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Long Beach State Athletics and handles all sponsorships, in-venue signage, and advertising on behalf of Long Beach State.