Chief Medical Officers Face Off in Kane Free Throw Challenge

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Amie M. Downs June 1, 2021 412-350-3711 (office) 412-327-3700 (cell) [email protected]

PITTSBURGH – Since March of 2020, they’ve been on the same team fighting the pandemic, but now it’s every system for itself. On Tuesday, June 1, the Allegheny Health Network, Heritage Valley Health System, St. Clair Health and UPMC will compete on the basketball court in the annual Kane Foundation Free Throw Contest.

“Team work among our healthcare providers has carried us through the past 15 months of COVID-19,” said Dr. Debra Bogen, Allegheny County Health Department Director. “Today, however, it’s time for some much needed fun as we settle the question of who is best at tossing a ball through a hoop. I wish everyone the best of luck in this friendly competition to support the Kanes, and I thank everyone involved for their hard work during the pandemic.”

First up is AHN Team Vaccine vs Team Heritage Valley. The three-member teams will take the court(yard) at 10:30 AM to see who can make the most free throws. At the helm for AHN Team Vaccine is Don Whiting, MD, Chief Medical Officer for AHN. In addition to Dr. Whiting, Imran Qadeer, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Allegheny General Hospital; and Maggie Thieman, MD, Medical Director at Allegheny General Hospital will also represent the health system in the challenge.

"Kane Centers provide exceptional care and support for some of the most vulnerable residents of Allegheny County, and the great work of the Kane Foundation enhances the overall quality of life for Kane residents and their families," said Dr. Whiting. "While we may be on opposing teams today, we're happy to join our health care colleagues from across the region in helping to celebrate and support such an important asset to our community.”

Michael S. Cratty, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of the Heritage Valley Health System will serve as head coach for Team Heritage Valley. Matthew Wheeler, M.D., Assistant Director, Emergency Services and Tammy Ronstadt, CRNP, MSN, CME, CEN, Vice President of Clinical Support at Heritage Valley Health System will join Dr. Cratty to represent Heritage Valley.

”Heritage Valley is honored to participate in this fun and friendly competition to benefit the Kane Foundation,” said Dr. Cratty. “Our health systems have all faced serious challenges this past year and united through collaboration to benefit the health and well-being of the people of southwestern Pennsylvania. Today, we welcome the opportunity to challenge each other on the basketball court.”

Each team member will be given the opportunity to take as many practice shots as they would like before indicating to contest officials that they are ready to shoot. After beginning, each player will shoot from the free throw line until three baskets are missed. The number of baskets made during that time is their total, with the totals combined for a final team score.

The 12 PM noon match-up is Team St. Clair Health vs Team UPMC. Team St. Clair Health will be led by John T. Sullivan, M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. In addition to Dr. Sullivan, Jason Biggs, M.D., Chair of Emergency Medicine, and Mario Fatigati, M.D., Associate Chief Medical Officer, will be shooting.

“St. Clair Health is happy to accept Dr. Bogen’s challenge to support the Kane Foundation in its worthwhile efforts to enhance the quality of life of residents and families served by their organization,” said Sullivan. “For over the past year, the Chief Medical Officers have worked collegially in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The Kane Free Throw Contest now provides us an opportunity to work together to benefit a very important regional asset. That being said, while we are on the court, the competition is on, and may the best team win.”

Dr. Donald M. Yealy will serve as head coach for Team UPMC with players including Dr. Genna Jerrard and Benjamin Reynolds, PA-C taking it to the hoop.

“At UPMC, we are excited to join this friendly competition for an excellent cause. Throughout the pandemic, UPMC worked with all in our communities to improve and maintain health, doing this in close cooperation with all other health care groups in Western Pennsylvania. Now, we get to have some fun!” said Dr Yealy.

Each year, the Kane Foundation hosts an annual Free Throw Contest during a time that corresponds with the NBA playoffs or the NCAA Final Four. In addition to teams from Kane and the Foundation board participating, the county has hosted a department contest over the last few years creating a friendly competition to see which department can make the most baskets and raise the most money. The county competition kicks off on Tuesday, June 8.

“On behalf of the residents, families and staff of the Kane Community Living Centers, we want to thank AHN, Heritage Valley, St. Clair and UPMC for their participation in the Kane Foundation’s annual free throw fundraiser,” said Dennis Biondo, Director of the Kane Community Living Centers. “We work closely with all four health systems and count them as our healthcare partners in our community. Today we will be counting their made free throws and rooting for all four teams.”

The Kane Foundation was created to raise private funds to help enhance the quality of life of our residents and their families. One hundred percent of all donations are devoted to gifts and enhancements for the Kane Centers and residents. To learn more about the Kane Foundation, or to make a donation, visit www.alleghenycounty.us/kane/kane-foundation.aspx

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Dennis Biondo, Executive Director Kane Community Living Centers – Office of the Executive Director 955 Rivermont Drive │ Pittsburgh, PA 15207 Phone: 412-422-6800 www.alleghenycounty.us