University Hospitals named Official Health Care Partner of the Cleveland Browns

CLEVELAND, Jan. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Cleveland Browns made official the partnership that makes University Hospitals (UH) in Cleveland the official health care partner of the Cleveland Browns for the next 10 years. 

As the Official Health Care Partner of the Browns, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, the health system's nationally recognized academic medical center, will provide a complete team of physician specialists covering every aspect of the team's health care needs.

Both organizations' leaders described a commitment to co-create an innovative sports medicine program based on medical and scientific evidence-based research to advance the athletic performance and the overall health and fitness of the Browns players.

"We are extremely pleased to announce this partnership with University Hospitals," said Cleveland Browns President Alec Scheiner. "Health and safety are very important issues not only for our players but also for our staff. Our goal is to continually and aggressively look at how we can positively affect our organization. Through this medical partnership, we will further develop innovative and comprehensive programs that enhance athletic performance and wellness."

In collaboration with the Browns, UH has agreed to develop a trans-disciplinary sports medicine team that includes nearly all medical specialties. The unique concept of focusing a diverse team of physician specialists on the players' medical and training needs will prepare them to compete at the highest level throughout an entire season, while building a strong foundation for long-term health.

"The entire sports world is indeed on the brink of real change when it comes to caring for its athletes," said Joe Sheehan, Browns Head Athletic Trainer. "Organizations which develop unique and exceptional comprehensive systems dedicated to the growth and development of their athletes, in the physical, mental and fundamental domains, will redefine the industry standard of care."

UH will also manage and provide urgent care to Browns fans at FirstEnergy Stadium and health and wellness programs for the Browns franchise and their families. In a separate agreement, UH will become a sponsor of the Cleveland Browns that extends to 2024. As part of that investment, UH will receive extensive signage at the stadium and other advertising opportunities.

"University Hospitals and the Cleveland Browns will redefine sports medicine in ways that will benefit professional and amateur athletes at every level," said Thomas F. Zenty III, CEO of UH. "We are honored to provide an all-inclusive approach to the Cleveland Browns' organization. Our goal is to provide the Browns with the most innovative, comprehensive health care program in the NFL and to support them all the way to a championship."

About University Hospitals
University Hospitals, the second largest employer in Northeast Ohio, serves the needs of patients through an integrated network of hospitals, outpatient centers and primary care physicians in 16 counties. At the core of our health system is University Hospitals Case Medical Center, one of only 18 hospitals in the country to have been named to U.S. News & World Report's most exclusive rankings list: the Best Hospitals 2013-14 Honor Roll. The primary affiliate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, UH Case Medical Center is home to some of the most prestigious clinical and research centers of excellence in the nation and the world, including cancer, pediatrics, women's health, orthopaedics and spine, radiology and radiation oncology, neurosurgery and neuroscience, cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, organ transplantation and human genetics. Its main campus includes the internationally celebrated UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, ranked among the top children's hospitals in the nation; UH MacDonald Women's Hospital, Ohio's only hospital for women; and UH Seidman Cancer Center, part of the NCI-designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center at Case Western Reserve University. UH Case Medical Center is the 2012 recipient of the American Hospital Association – McKesson Quest for Quality Prize for its leadership and innovation in quality improvement and safety. For more information, go to UHhospitals.org.

SOURCE University Hospitals