Elevance Health Partners with Impact Fitness Foundation to Transform School Fitness Facilities

Elevance Health Inc. recently celebrated a significant milestone in its community outreach efforts with the unveiling of a newly renovated fitness and strength training space at Thomas Carr Howe Middle School in Indianapolis. This project, a collaboration with the Impact Fitness Foundation (IFF), marks the fifth consecutive year of investment in local schools aimed at promoting health and wellness among young people.

Gail K. Boudreaux, President and CEO of Elevance Health, emphasized the importance of community support in fostering youth development. “Strong communities are built when young people have the support and opportunity they need to thrive,” she stated during the announcement. This initiative aligns with Elevance Health’s broader mission to improve whole health by investing in the environments where children live, learn, and play.

More than 40 volunteers from Elevance Health joined forces with IFF representatives to transform the school's fitness and athletic training areas. The renovations included:

William Clay, the Athletic Director at Thomas Carr Howe Middle School, expressed enthusiasm about the renovated facility, stating, “This space opens the door to opportunities our students simply didn’t have before.” The new space will facilitate expanded strength and conditioning programs, open gym sessions, and development activities aimed at nurturing student-athletes throughout the school year and summer.

The partnership with the Impact Fitness Foundation is particularly significant as it coincides with the Elevance Health Women's Fort Myers Tipoff, a collegiate basketball tournament that highlights the role of women in sports. The initiative aims to inspire young female athletes, acknowledging that research shows girls are more likely to disengage from sports and organized fitness programs during adolescence.

Chris Welsh, Founder and President of the Impact Fitness Foundation, remarked on the importance of creating welcoming spaces and intentional programming to support these young women. “We’re excited to see Howe use this facility not only to support athletics but also to help young people—especially young women—discover confidence, leadership, and a lifelong connection to health and wellness.”

The event culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by an instructional clinic led by trainers from the Impact Fitness Foundation. Coaches, staff, and student-athletes received training on proper equipment use, strength-training fundamentals, and the best practices for maintaining the new facility, ensuring that the investment translates into meaningful educational opportunities.

As Elevance Health and the Impact Fitness Foundation celebrate five years of partnership, their commitment to empowering the next generation through sports and fitness initiatives continues to grow. The newly renovated fitness space at Thomas Carr Howe Middle School is not just an upgrade in facilities; it is a critical step toward fostering a culture of wellness, confidence, and opportunity among young people in Indianapolis. Elevance Health's efforts exemplify their dedication to being a trusted health partner and enhancing the health of humanity through community-focused initiatives.