Contact: Karen Johnson
October 3, 2023
Dr. Oz and Lisa Oz Join Local Philanthropists to Support HealthCorps in Delaware
Wilmington, DE — Over 80 Delaware philanthropists and supporters of HealthCorps, an innovative teen health and mentoring program, joined Dr. Mehmet Oz and Lisa Oz at the home of Jeff and Kim Rollins in Greenville on Friday September 29th.
HealthCorps, a national 501c3 organization was founded by Dr. Oz and Lisa Oz in 2003. The organization empowers teens to take control of their health through educational programming, leadership experiences and service learning. Since its inception, the organization has impacted 2.5 million teens in middle and high schools across the nation through in school and out of school programs. Additionally, over 1 million students, parents, teachers and administrators have utilized HealthCorps’ digital curriculum.
“The challenges facing Delaware teens have changed significantly since HealthCorps over the last several years,” said HealthCorps President and CEO Amy Braun. “Our current generation of teens is facing unprecedented challenges in their physical health, behavioral health, and social needs,” Braun continued. “The good news is that HealthCorps will address these challenges AND encourage teens to take on health leadership roles in Delaware’s communities.”
The CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey notes that 37% of teens in Delaware report consistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness and over 18% consider suicide, with almost 9% actually making an attempt. And according to the 2022 Kids Count Data Book, 38% of Delaware children and teens (ages 10 – 17) are overweight or obese.
Friday’s event was designed to raise funds for and awareness of HealthCorps which will begin providing its program to Delaware teens through Teen Warehouse and Odyssey Charter School before expanding throughout the Wilmington area.
Members of HealthCorps’ Board of Advisors, with ties to Delaware, served as event hosts. In addition to Kim Rollins, others included Mary Ann Kelly McDonald, Inci Porter, Jimmy Horty, and Linda Ferrara.
“To host an event that will have such a direct impact on Delaware teens is incredibly gratifying,” said Rollins. “As a member of the organization’s Board of Advisors, I’m aware that 75% of the teens that go through the HealthCorps program are not only motivated to take care of their health but are motivated to help family and friends improve theirs. That’s a game changer for Delaware.”
For more information on HealthCorps visit www.healthcorps.org
Photo Credit: Jim Graham Photography
Left to right are the following: Amy Braun, HealthCorps President and CEO; Inci Porter; Kim Rollins, event host; Lisa Oz, HealthCorps Founder; Dr. Mehmet Oz, HealthCorps Chairman and Founder; Mary Ann Kelly MacDonald, HealthCorps Co-chairman Board of Advisors; Jimmy Horty; and Linda Ferrara