News Releases

Pint-Sized Patients Catch a Visit from NFL Players

Houston, Texas, January 21, 2004 – NFL players who are in town for the big game are popping their heads into the rooms of some very sick little patients at Memorial Hermann Children’s Hospital Wed., Jan. 28 to boost spirits and smiles.

When the players decided to visit the Texas Medical Center, they made Memorial Hermann Children’s Hospital the first children’s hospital on their list. Here, kids who aren’t well enough to go outside, much less make it to the game, will be the envy of all their friends as they are treated to one-on-one visits with some NFL stars. Aiming to execute some “smile” plays with the little ones, the football pros intend to score by shifting the focus from pain and illness to once-in-a-lifetime treat.

“We’re thrilled to host the NFL players,” said the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer Jim Salyer, “Not only will these terrific professional athletes provide the children and their families with with a healthy dose of fun, but the players will also have a chance to visit one of the finest children’s hospitals in the nation.”

As a valuable player in the community, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System is executing their own game plan during the Super Bowl festivities.

• During their stay in Houston for Super Bowl XXXVIII, as many as 4,000 NFL employees, sponsors, VIPs, owners and family members are relying on one of the hospitals within the Memorial Hermann system for their healthcare needs. NFL guests and family members are provided with a dedicated phone line to facilitate the 24-hour access to medical and emergency services. Based on their medical needs and location, callers will be directed to one of three System hospitals—Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Medical Center, Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital or Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital.
    
• Memorial Hermann medical teams will provide on-site first aid Jan. 17-23 for SuperBUILD XXXVIII, a Habitat for Humanity effort to build 38 homes for low-income families in 38 days. As many as 300 volunteers are wielding hammers and saws or performing other construction jobs each day, and injuries can occur. Memorial Hermann nurses and paramedics are staffing first aid stations central to each of three building sites all week.
    
• Memorial Hermann nurses and paramedics will also provide first aid support at the NFL Experience held at the George R. Brown Convention Center Jan. 23-25 and Jan. 29-Feb. 1. The event, which is expected to attract 3,000 to 5,000 visitors each day, provides interactive games, exhibits and entertainment associated with the Super Bowl.
    
• In honor of Houston’s, banner day, Memorial Hermann employees, healthcare field champions are invited to show their team spirit by wearing their favorite NFL team jersey Jan. 30.

For more information, contact Media Relations.