Representatives of Lehigh Valley Health Network - Jefferson asked East Penn School District directors during the Aug. 10 meeting to extend the district’s sports medicine and student wellness partnership through 2033, citing more than $8.6 million in services and support over the proposed seven-year agreement.

The partnership began in 2018 when East Penn School District entered into an agreement with Lehigh Valley Health Network to provide sports medicine services for student-athletes, including access to athletic trainers, free physicals and strength and conditioning programs. In return for an annual donation, LVHN branding is displayed on the district’s turf field and its logo appears in the school board conference room.

Director of Sports Medicine Partnerships Bobby McClarin, Vice President of LVH-17th Street and LVHN Operations Lisa Liddington, and Vice President for Ambulatory Services Craig Souders presented the proposal to the board.

The agreement carries an annual value of approximately $1.2 million and includes services from five full-time athletic trainers, a sports performance coach and five licensed behavioral health therapists. McClarin said extending the agreement through 2033 would provide a total value of $8,650,178 over seven years.

School Board President Shanta Ford thanked LVHN-Jefferson for the partnership, noting its benefits extend beyond student-athletes.