NFL Alumni Association (NFLA), based in Mount Laurel, announced on Tuesday a partnership with Deborah Heart and Lung Center to provide quality, cutting-edge cardiac, vascular and pulmonary care to NFLA members.
Deborah said the partnership ensures that former football players and their families, regardless of where they live, can access the organization’s nationally-renowned medical services at its campus in Browns Mills.
The NFLA has over 10,000 members nationwide, with a large mid-Atlantic and Florida cluster of over 2,500 members.
According to statistics compiled by the NFLA, football retirees over 50 years old have a 13.5 percent rate of coronary heart disease, 46 percent rate of high blood pressure and a 44 percent rate of high cholesterol. These former players exceed the national averages for poor leg circulation and other heart conditions. A high percentage of NFLA members also suffer from sleep apnea, asthma and diabetes.
Deborah specializes in all of these conditions and is able to provide expert diagnoses and treatment.
“We are delighted to partner with the NFLA,” said Joseph Chirichella, Deborah president and chief executive officer in a statement. “Football brings families and friends together as we root for our favorite team. Post career, it is an honor to link these players to quality health care. Deborah is recognized as a top 7 percent in the nation for heart surgery outcomes and we are excited to connect former players with our specialists,” Chirichella said.
“NFL Alumni is proud to partner with Deborah Heart and Lung Center,” says NFL Alumni CEO Beasley Reece. “This partnership will grant our former players access to world class medical services across the country while supporting our mission to better the quality of life for our former NFL athletes,” Reese said.
Deborah said its personalized service would ensure that each member receives one-on-one attention for their integrated care.
