By Ashley Earle
Celtics.com
October 4, 2011
BOSTON – For the last 25 years, the Boston Celtics have received top medical care through their partnership with New England Baptist Hospital. On Monday morning, Boston Celtics President Rich Gotham and Head Coach Doc Rivers joined members of The Baptist staff to celebrate the milestone.
Celtics President Rich Gotham and Head Coach Doc Rivers join members of NEBH to celebrate 25 years of partnership.
“We’re excited to be here today,” said Gotham. “To last 25 years is a challenge for any partnership and I’m proud to say we’ve maintained a strong one throughout the years. We place a huge amount of faith in the care from the Baptist.”
Following Gotham’s remarks, he presented President and CEO of NEBH, Trish Hannon, and Chairman of the Board, Rich Maloney, with a green Celtics jersey numbered 25 for every year of the partnership.
Hannon was grateful for the gift and stated that they would hang the framed jersey proudly at the hospital for all to admite.
Gifts were flowing both ways, as Rivers was presented a white lab coat from team Physician Dr. Brian McKeon.
“Our relationship with New England Baptist has been amazing the last seven years,” said Rivers. “Not only have they been phenomenal with our team but they treat my family as well. People forget that I played basketball 100 years ago and my body is letting me know now. I come to the Baptist a lot and I couldn’t think of a better place to receive health care.”
The ceremony also marked a commitment to serving the community.
“As our partnership with the Baptist continues to grow, so does the need to get out in the community and help fight childhood obesity,” said Gotham. “We know that by teaming up we can really make a difference in youth’s lives and help them lead a healthier lifestyle.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Rivers walked around the hospital and met several with patients, clearly lifting their spirits.
“I enjoy meeting the patients,” remarked Rivers. “We do it occasionally and I don’t think people can visit patients enough. If you can bring any happiness to a person sitting in a hospital bed, then you should do it. I don’t think you have to be a coach of an NBA basketball team to come and visit. There are a lot of patients that need attention and more people should do it.”
With the continued partnership of the Celtics and the Baptist, patients will certainly be able to benefit from many more of those visits for years to come.