Bills Partner with Independent Health to Improve Health and Wellness in WNY

Independent Health Selected as the Official Health and Wellness Partner of the Bills

Buffalo Bills Linebacker Kiko Alonso with students
at Buffalo Public School #18

The Buffalo Bills and Independent Health are teaming up to better the health and wellbeing of the Western New York community. Today’s announcement launches a long-term partnership between the organizations, centered on a community-wide fitness and nutrition initiative to encourage healthy living.

“We are confident this partnership will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of Western New Yorkers,” said Michael W. Cropp, M.D., president and CEO of Independent Health. “At Independent Health we are committed to creating a culture of health through our member benefits and community-wide programs and partnerships. Our team is eager to work with the Bills to help tackle some of the most important health challenges we face in this region.”

       Independent Health President and CEO Dr. Michael Cropp
with Buffalo Bills President and CEO Russ Brandon

“This new partnership with Independent Health only strengthens our commitment to improving the Western New York community, especially the health and well-being of our youth,” said Russ Brandon, president and CEO of the Buffalo Bills. “The Bills are looking forward to making a difference by working in lock step with Independent Health to promote healthy living in schools and throughout our region.”

In a continued effort to make the next generation of youth active and healthy, the Buffalo Bills and Independent Health will work together to support the children of our community by encouraging physical activity and healthy eating in school and at home. The Independent Health Foundation’s Fitness for Kids Challenge and the Buffalo Bills Play 60 Challenge will be offered in collaboration to more local elementary school children during the 2014 season and will include both in-school programming and participation incentives for schools, teachers and students.

“Independent Health has a long history of partnering with community organizations to make access to health and fitness programs easier for Western New Yorkers. We’re excited to team up with the Bills to further enhance these efforts,” said Dr. Cropp.

Details on the community-wide fitness and nutrition initiative, including the establishment of a community advisory committee to help guide our efforts, will be announced in the coming weeks.