FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS AND VHC HEALTH WELCOME THE FIRST “COMMANDERS BABY” AS PART OF INAUGURAL PROGRAM TO KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR
Landover, MD (January 3, 2024) – The Washington Commanders launched the Commanders Babies program, presented by the team’s official women’s health partner, VHC Health. This new program is the latest of many initiatives between the Commanders and VHC Health that aim to contribute to the health and wellbeing of women and families across the DMV.
The program officially began with the birth of Oliver who was born at VHC Health on January 1, 2024. Commanders’ mascot Major Tuddy and members of the Command Force entertainment team were present to congratulate Oliver and parents, and welcome the first Commanders Baby, who was also VHC’s first newborn of 2024. Click HERE for photos and broll of the Commanders welcoming Oliver as the first Commanders Baby.
In addition to Commanders gear and a customized birth certificate, the family also will 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 extend a warm welcome to the first Commanders Baby, Oliver,” said Jason Wright, President of the Washington Commanders. “The Washington Commanders are committed to advancing healthcare equity and improving healthcare outcomes for women across the DMV, and this program allows us to show our support for women and newborns at an important time in their healthcare journey.”
Through the Commanders Babies program, every 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 also 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 there with you every step of the way,” said Melody Dickerson, DNP, MSN, RN, CENP, CPHQ, FACHE, Senior Vice President for 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 the families who deliver at 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 because of its continued commitment to advancing women’s health, reducing the stigma of mental health, and creating greater access to care in the Washington, DC metro region. As part of the partnership, VHC Health installed breastfeeding and lactation pods at FedExField. And earlier this year, VHC Health, the Commanders, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation collaborated to pack and distribute 100 Hope Kits to women undergoing treatment for breast cancer in the DMV.
– Washington Commanders est. 1932 –
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About VHC HealthTM: VHC Health provides exceptional medical services as our region’s community health system. Virginia Hospital Center was designated a 2021 Top Teaching Hospital by The Leapfrog Group. In 2022, the Hospital was selected for an 11th consecutive Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ and a 21st consecutive ‘A’ grade from The Leapfrog Group. Virginia Hospital Center is a 453-bed not-for-profit teaching facility and designated as a Magnet® hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. VHC Health is a proud member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network – a national network of independent healthcare organizations.
ABOUT THE WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: The Washington Commanders, owned by a group of investors led by Managing Partner Josh Harris, were founded in Boston in 1932 and are one of the original members of the NFL's Eastern Division. The Washington Commanders relocated to Washington, D.C. in 1937 and have since become one of the most recognizable professional sports franchises in history, featuring multiple Hall of Fame coaches, 19 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and one recipient of the Walter Payton Man of The Year Award, Darrell Green. A proud and storied franchise, the team has won five World Championship titles, including the 1937 and 1942 National Football League Championship games, as well as Super Bowls XVII, XXII and XXVI. Since 1997, the team has played its home games at FedExField, a multi-purpose stadium located in Landover, MD. Washington Commanders Football Operations are headquartered in Ashburn, Virginia, at the OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park.
