Nomi Health Supports Panhandle Health Screenings

Thanks to the generosity of Nomi Health, a direct healthcare company dedicated to rebuilding the American healthcare system, Special Olympics Florida held one of the Panhandle’s largest Healthy Athletes screenings ever.

More than 80 athletes participated in the daylong event, which coincided with Special Olympics Florida’s Regional Games. Of those, 13 were found to have urgent health issues that required immediate follow-up care. Another 22 athletes were found to have issues that, while not urgent, still warranted follow-up.

“This is precisely why our Healthy Athletes screenings are so important,” said Special Olympics Florida President and CEO Sherry Wheelock. “It gives our volunteer providers the chance to identify potential health concerns before they become serious for the athletes.”

Healthy Athletes screenings cover a range of health issues, everything from dental hygiene to foot care to eyesight to hearing. Since launching the program in 1997, Special Olympics Florida has screened more than 123,000 athletes across the state.

April’s screenings also marked the first time that Special Olympics Florida athletes assisted with screenings in the Panhandle. Special Olympics Florida Health Messengers Rachel Long and Tim Long worked at the Special Smiles station, teaching other athletes about oral health, dental hygiene and how they affect overall health.

The screenings were made possible through the support of Nomi Health, a national health services company with a mission to bring easy access to low-cost health care. Nomi is the Presenting Sponsor of Healthy Athletes in the Panhandle.

Nomi became a supporter of Special Olympics Florida in 2022, saying the partnership dovetailed well with its core mission of improving health care in the communities it serves.

“Supporting Special Olympics Florida is aligned with Nomi Health’s belief that everyone should have easy access to healthcare,” said Ron Goncalves, Florida President and General Manager for Nomi Health. We are thrilled to partner with Special Olympics Florida to help ensure people with intellectual disabilities receive the care they deserve.”

“Nomi has shown a tremendous commitment to ensuring that the athletes of Special Olympics Florida receive the health care they need,” said Wheelock. “We are incredibly grateful – and fortunate – they have embraced our mission to build a better world for people with intellectual disabilities. By supporting our Healthy Athletes programs, Nomi is making a real difference in the lives of our athletes.”