Monumental Sports and MedStar Health Join Forces with $1.1 Million Gift to Enhance Community Services

Collaboration for Community Care

In a significant show of community commitment, Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) has collaborated with MedStar Health to support vital services for some of Washington, D.C.'s most vulnerable residents. This partnership is underscored by a generous donation of $1.1 million, aimed at enhancing care for women, infants, and children across the District.

This initiative builds on MSE's previous pledge of annual support over the next five years, aimed at expanding access to essential healthcare services that can be life-saving for various demographic groups.

President and CEO of MedStar Health, Kenneth A. Samet, expressed appreciation for the ongoing support from MSE, noting that their joint efforts reflect a commitment to serving young families during critical times. He stated, "Caring for our communities is a team sport, and together, we are proud to provide support where it is most needed."

Ted Leonsis, founder and CEO of MSE, emphasized the importance of sports teams giving back to their communities, underlining that their partnership with MedStar Health is rooted in a shared goal of improving overall community health. "Our commitment to delivering meaningful impact is at the core of our values, and we recognize the exceptional care MedStar Health provides to mothers and children, making them integral partners in this mission."

Key Programs Supported by the Donation

The funding from MSE will be instrumental in sustaining crucial programs such as the Safe Babies Safe Moms initiative and the Kids Mobile Medical Clinic, both designed to disrupt cycles of disadvantage and improve health outcomes.

Safe Babies Safe Moms Program

This essential program connects expectant mothers and families with comprehensive prenatal care, nutritional support, and education about parenting and mental health resources, beginning even before pregnancy and continuing until the child is three years old. Furthermore, the program addresses broader social determinants of health, providing connections to transportation, housing, and legal assistance. Notably, studies indicate that mothers enrolled in this initiative have seen a reduction in low birthweight and preterm births, demonstrating its impact on health outcomes.

Angela D. Thomas, vice president of Healthcare Delivery Research at MedStar Health Research Institute, highlighted the program's national importance in improving maternal and infant health. "Through partnerships like the one we have with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, we’re achieving better health outcomes. Their support is invaluable in sustaining this life-saving work," she noted.

Kids Mobile Medical Clinic

Additionally, MSE continues to support the Kids Mobile Medical Clinic, a staple in the community that has served children for over 30 years. This clinic provides important medical care directly to families in need, visiting various D.C. neighborhoods and offering services at no charge. Each year, the clinic serves around 800 patients, addressing not only medical needs but also screening for food insecurity and other social challenges.

Janine A. Rethy, division chief of Community Pediatrics at MedStar, expressed pride in maintaining this partnership, stating, "We share Monumental Sports & Entertainment's vision for creating a healthy and thriving Washington, D.C. for everyone, and I’m proud to serve alongside them in this effort."

Since the partnership began, MSE and The Leonsis Family have contributed over $13 million to various initiatives at MedStar Health, significantly advancing the health of women, children, and families in the community. The funds have gone towards diverse programs ranging from pediatric care to COVID-19 response efforts, illustrating a robust commitment to public health and wellbeing in D.C.

As this philanthropic partnership unfolds, the impact of MSE's contributions will undeniably continue to enhance the lives of many in Washington, ensuring that essential healthcare services remain accessible to those in desperate need. This mobilization of resources sets a powerful example of corporate responsibility within the community, proving that with partnership and investment, we can achieve impactful health outcomes for our most vulnerable populations.