Team IMPACT and CHA Join Forces to Enhance Pediatric Health Care Experience and Increase Program Access

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Team IMPACT, a national nonprofit organization that connects children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams, today announced a trailblazing partnership with the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA). Through advocacy, awareness, and program referrals, this collaboration aims to revolutionize the pediatric health care experience by leveraging the power of teamwork, community, and compassion.

By uniting forces, Team IMPACT and CHA will work hand in hand to create impactful programs and initiatives that directly benefit children battling illnesses and their families. Through this partnership, both organizations will amplify their efforts to provide holistic support, emotional resilience, and invaluable connections within pediatric health care settings across the nation.

“We are incredibly excited and honored to embark on this partnership with the Children's Hospital Association," said Joe Daniels, CEO of Team IMPACT. "Together, we share a common vision of empowering pediatric patients and their families through the transformative strength of relationships and community. This alliance will enable us to help more children and make a lasting difference in their lives.”

Through Team IMPACT's innovative model, children are "signed" onto college athletic teams, where they become an official member, attending practices, games, and other team events. This immersive multi-year experience provides a sense of belonging, support, and inspiration for children facing serious illnesses, helping them to build confidence and resilience throughout their journey.

“I know how beneficial Team IMPACT’s programming is to children facing complex and chronic illness, as well as their families, across the nation’s children’s hospitals,” commented Michele Lloyd, Vice President of Operations, Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone and Team IMPACT national board member. “We have seen tangible results with children who are participating in Team IMPACT regarding their emotional resilience and ability to successfully engage with treatment. This partnership will facilitate Team IMPACT to integrate with the hospital clinical teams to educate more families about the experience and benefits of the program.”

The national voice of more than 200 children’s hospitals, CHA is advancing child health through innovation in the quality, cost, and delivery of care in children’s hospitals and health systems. The association brings together clinical and administrative leaders of children's hospitals to create meaningful change in children's health care and child health. Through collaboration, improvement, opportunities, and advocacy, CHA makes progress on the issues facing children's hospitals and the communities they serve.

“CHA is excited to embark on this partnership with Team IMPACT," said Matt Cook, CEO of Children's Hospital Association. “We believe this is a great match for both our missions; ultimately creating a strong support network involving children, families, health care providers and student-athletes which fosters a community that champions the well-being of children with complex medical needs."

Through collaborative efforts, Team IMPACT and CHA will develop advocacy opportunities to advance the standard of care for pediatric patients and their families. By harnessing the collective expertise and passion of both organizations, this partnership will feature an ongoing series of events, educational opportunities, along with awareness campaigns, to create lasting positive change in the lives of children facing serious and chronic illnesses. The partnership is highlighted by participation and collaboration on CHA’s annual Family Advocacy Day, thoughtful strategic initiatives focused on the hospitals CHA serves, expanded advocacy training for members of the Team IMPACT community, and additional opportunities for Team IMPACT fellows and alumni to work with CHA at various programs and events within their communities.

To learn more about Team IMPACT or get involved, please visit teamimpact.org.

For media inquiries, please contact Caeli Sullivan, Team IMPACT, at CSullivan@teamimpact.org or Elleni Almandrez, Children’s Hospital Association, at Elleni.Almandrez@childrenshospitals.org.