Published: 07/01/2025 - 8:00 AM
Philadelphia, PA — Tuesday, 07/01/25 — The Columbia North YMCA (1400 N. Broad Street) and Keystone First are teaming up to bring the Healthy Hoops® program to North Philadelphia. Columbia North YMCA camp participants will learn how to adopt healthy lifestyles and manage chronic conditions through basketball, health workshops, and other fun activities.
Children and their parents will learn how appropriate medication use, proper nutrition, monitored exercise, and more can help children lead healthier lives. Keystone First’s Mobile Wellness and Opportunity Unit will be on site to provide information about Keystone First Medicaid and CHIP member benefit. Free health screenings will also be offered on the mobile unit for adults. Sharing Excess, a nonprofit organization that tackles food insecurity, will also be at the event distributing 300 bags of fresh produce to the community.
When and Where:
Thursday, July 17, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Columbia North YMCA
1400 N Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19121
Why It Matters:
- 21% of Philadelphia children live with asthma, according to the Philadelphia Regional Center for Children’s Environmental Health at University of Pennsylvania. That’s more than the triple the national rate.
- In 2020, Black and Hispanic children had more than 4x the asthma-related hospitalizations of white children in Philadelphia.
“Healthy Hoops shows children and teens how they can live a healthier life through good nutrition, physical activity, and avoiding triggers of chronic health problems,” said Keystone First Market President Joanne McFall. “Empowering them with accurate information will help them get the most out of their summer break and set them up for success when they return to school in the fall.”
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Keystone First on this important initiative,” says Shaun Elliott, President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia YMCA. “At the Y, our mission is to connect people to healthier lives. Offering this sort of education, especially for youngsters with chronic conditions, doesn’t just fit our mission; it has the potential for positive impact over their lifetimes.”
Since 2002 more than 50,000 children and families have attended more than 200 Healthy Hoops events in Pennsylvania and 13 other states, along with the District of Columbia.