Nation World News: Washington Commanders and VHC Health welcome first ‘Commanders Baby’ as part of inaugural event to ring in the New Year
LANDOVER, MD, January 3, 2024 – The Washington Commanders launch the Commanders Babies program, presented by VHC Health, the team’s official women’s health partner. This new program is the latest of several initiatives between commanders and VHC Health aimed at contributing to the health and well-being of women and families in the DMV.
The program officially began with the birth of Oliver, born January 1, 2024, at VHC Health. Commanders’ mascot Major Tuddy and members of the Command Force entertainment team were on hand to congratulate Oliver and the parents and welcome the first Commanders Baby, who was also VHC’s first newborn in 2024. Click **here** for photos and brawl of the Commanders welcoming Oliver as the first “Commander’s Baby”.
In addition to Commanders gear and a customized birth certificate, the family will also receive complimentary tickets to next year’s regular season home opener.
“We are excited to launch the Commanders Babies program with our partners at VHC Health, and warmly welcome the first Commanders baby, Oliver,” said Washington Commanders President Jason Wright. “Washington Commanders are committed to advancing health care equity and improving health care outcomes for women in the DMV, and this program allows us to show our support for women and newborns at a critical time in their health care journey.”
Through the Commanders Babies program, each baby born at VHC Health will receive a Washington Commanders birth certificate and a Commanders baby blanket. And next season, families of babies born at VHC Health on the day of the Commanders regular season home opener will have the opportunity to receive four free tickets to a Washington Commanders regular season home game and a complimentary prize pack.
“Bringing a new baby into the world is a joyous experience, and at VHC Health, we are with you every step of the way,” said Melody Dickerson, DNP, MSN, RN, CENP, CPHQ, Senior Vice President, FACHE. Hospital Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at VHC Health. “As the official Women’s Health Partner of the Washington Commanders, we are thrilled to offer this new program to families who contribute to our community health system, and we look forward to welcoming the next generation of Commanders fans “
At the start of the 2023 NFL season, the Washington Commanders selected VHC Health as a partner due to their continued commitment to advancing women’s health, reducing the stigma of mental health and creating greater access to care in the Washington, DC metro area . As part of the partnership, VHC Health installed breastfeeding and breastfeeding pods at FedExField. And earlier this year, VHC Health, Commanders and the National Breast Cancer Foundation collaborated to pack and distribute 100 Hope Kits to women undergoing breast cancer treatment at the DMV.
