CHICAGO, June 4, 2018 – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) has formalized its relationship with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) to deliver valuable, preventive long-term healthcare check-ups to former professional players across the U.S. Launched by the NBPA in 2016, the Health Screening Program has impacted hundreds of former players by providing preventative cardiac testing. The NBRPA’s involvement will expand the program to include orthopedic screenings and care.
“The NBPA is a natural partner for our players, and this new relationship will work to introduce more of our members to effective wellness management strategies as they age and maintain active lifestyles,” said NBRPA President and CEO Scott Rochelle.
The average NBA career lasts less than five years, which emphasizes the need for long-term planning for all aspects of life, including health. In 2015, the NBPA instituted cardiac screenings for retired players, as well as other initiatives designed to prepare current players for life after basketball. By partnering with the NBRPA on this initiative, the NBPA Health Screening Program will reach even more former players through the retired players associations existing communications channels and events in an effort to significantly widen the number of former players touched by this valuable program.
“We have seen, first-hand, the impact that the Health Screening Program has had in changing the way former players are thinking about their long-term health, today,” said Michele Roberts, executive director of the NBPA. “By partnering with the NBRPA, we will be able to reach an even greater number of former players with this essential program for long-term wellness.”
In addition, the NBRPA and NBPA will continue to collaborate on key programs and expand their current relationship by working hand-in-hand on a variety of initiatives aimed at targeting former players. The NBRPA will further integrate wellness education into its national programing to its players throughout the coming year, as well.
For more details on the NBRPA, visit www.legendsofbasketball.com.