SJHS aims to keep kids active with sports equipment donation

Saint Joseph Health System (SJHS) is donating over 1,100 soccer and basketballs to schools in our community in an effort to emphasize the importance of physical activity and build a healthy lifestyle early in life.

SJHS staff will be distributing a portion of this equipment to staff and students at School City of Mishawaka locations on Wednesday, Feb. 22, beginning at 10 am. Nine schools will receive the equipment throughout the day.

This gift to the community comes off the heels of a recent Community Health Needs Assessment conducted by SJHS, surveying nearly 5,000 people in our community regarding their health care concerns. Obesity reduction and better access to wellness resources were among the many areas identified as needing attention.

In total 22 school systems will be receiving the sports balls in our community. A higher quality of sports equipment was intentionally selected for a longer life span.