Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris throws the honorary first pitch during the Miami Marlins game against the New York Mets on Monday, July 22, 2024.

MIAMI – Simply Healthcare Plans (Simply Healthcare), a leading provider of Medicaid and Medicare solutions in Florida, and the Miami Marlins hit a homerun on Monday, July 22, with Catch Your Breath: An Asthma and Allergy Awareness Night at loanDepot park. This initiative aims to raise awareness and educate Miami Marlins fans and the greater Miami community about asthma and allergy care.

Several Hope Florida families and navigators joined Simply Healthcare Monday night to underscore the impactful resources available through its program, including those for individuals living with asthma and allergy conditions. 

Hope Florida is an initiative spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis that bridges public and private sectors, faith-based communities and nonprofits to maximize resources to empower individuals and families to achieve prosperity, economic independence and a brighter future. 

“We’re grateful to the Miami Marlins and Hope Florida for stepping up to raise awareness of resources available to Florida families, including those for asthma and allergy management,” said Dana Gryniuk, Medicaid President of Simply Healthcare Plans. “At Simply Healthcare, we are committed to equipping families with the education and resources they need to mitigate acute symptoms and live happier, healthier lives. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to work with the Miami Marlins to present Catch Your Breath: An Asthma and Allergy Awareness Night, empowering Florida families to improve their health.”

Asthma affects approximately 25 million people in the United States, including many children and adults in Florida. Asthma and allergies can lead to frequent school or work absences, impacting education and career opportunities. Properly understanding the triggers and effectively managing these medical conditions are essential in diminishing the likelihood of acute symptoms and potentially life-threatening incidents. Through the Catch Your Breath: An Asthma and Allergy Awareness Night with the Miami Marlins event, Simply Healthcare seeks to educate and increase awareness about managing asthma and allergies. By doing so, the goal is to reduce Emergency Department visits and hospitalizations, ultimately improving overall health outcomes for individuals affected by these conditions.

“Our partnership with Simply Healthcare highlights the shared commitment by both organizations for the well-being of our local community,” said Robert Gelman, Marlins Vice President and Head of Partnership Development and Strategy. “With a focus on raising awareness about the importance of asthma and allergy treatments and management, the partnership introduced ‘Catch Your Breath’ Awareness Night at loanDepot park on Monday, July 22. We look forward to additional impactful opportunities to continue our efforts across South Florida.”

Excited young fans and their families, supported by community-based organizations partnered with Simply Healthcare, received entry to the Miami Marlins' thrilling game against the New York Mets on July 22, 2024. Among the night’s highlights was Secretary Shevaun Harris with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) throwing the honorary first pitch.

“It was an honor to join Simply Healthcare and the Miami Marlins to bring greater awareness to the Hope Florida program and highlight Simply’s initiative focused on asthma and allergy awareness,” said DCF Secretary Shevaun Harris. “Our mission is to support strong and resilient families and thanks to our partners we are able to maximize resources and education opportunities through Hope Florida, as we empower families to lead healthier lives.”

“Our greatest impact lies in partnerships and collaborative efforts to support Floridians, including Floridians with unique abilities,” said Taylor Hatch, Director of the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities. “Whether it’s activating to address an immediate need, providing networks of support and lasting connectivity to achieve long-term goals, or creating opportunities for community involvement through a fun memory at the ballfield, Hope Florida, spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis, ensures more individuals and families are connecting to passionate community partners like Simply Healthcare and the Maimi Marlins than ever before.”

Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris throws the honorary first pitch during the Miami Marlins game against the New York Mets on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Simply Healthcare’s Community Health Worker Asthma Home Visit Program (CHAMPs) is a valuable program for Simply Healthcare members that provides personalized, in-home asthma care for affected persons. Through Simply’s network of Community Health Workers, members can access the necessary support and resources to manage their condition, including individualized asthma action plans and the identifying various environmental triggers. Simply Healthcare provides useful education to help members adhere to their medication and empowers them to advocate for their health needs. This, in turn, enables members to better handle their asthma condition, not only in healthcare settings but also in school, work and other everyday situations.

Members of the Simply Healthcare leadership team and their CHAMPS Program, DCF Secretary Shevaun Harris, APD Director Taylor Hatch, and The Hope Florida representatives prior to the first pitch at the Marlins vs Mets baseball game on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Families seeking community-based resources can learn more and find out how to contact a Hope Navigator at www.hopeflorida.com/get-help.

For more information about Simply Healthcare's commitment to community health initiatives, visit www.simplyhealthcareplans.com/mcr/simply-healthcare-fl.

ABOUT SIMPLY HEALTHCARE PLANS

Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc., is a Florida managed healthcare plan that serves Medicare Advantage and Medicaid members in the state of Florida. In addition, Simply Healthcare, through a line of business called Clear Health Alliance, also serves Florida Medicaid members who are living with HIV/AIDS. Our goal is to provide healthcare and related services that are comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Each and every day, members of our team can be found in Florida communities, listening to our members, interacting with our healthcare providers and partnering with community-based organizations. Our goal is to ensure members and entire communities are empowered to become active participants in their healthcare and sustain healthy lifestyles. To learn more about Simply Healthcare, visit www.SimplyHealthcarePlans.com. 

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