GRIDIRON GREATS MEDICAL PROGRAM

Fact Sheet

• The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund has launched a medical program which is a humanitarian initiative intended to provide a wide variety of medical treatments to retired NFL players with little or no means to pay for medical care.  Players who qualify will not incur any costs for evaluations, medical procedures or rehabilitation they may receive.
• This program is made possible by the generosity of two very unique facilities and a group of world-class specialists associated with each of the facilities.  They will donate their expertise and state of the art facilities to players in dire need. 
• OAA Orthopedic Specialists has been a dynamic provider of orthopedic care and research for more than 30 years.  Their staff is comprised of: 24 board certified, fellowship-trained physicians and surgeons and they are housed in a 300,000 sq. ft. Integrated Health Campus in Allentown PA.  Spearheading the project is orthopedic surgeon and OAA partner, Dr Robert  Palumbo and Chief Operating Officer OAA Orthopedic Specialists, Vincent J. Hudson, PhD.
• Surgical Specialty Hospital of Arizona is the first licensed surgical specialty facility of its kind in the state of Arizona.  The private hospital is physician owned and provides a unique healthcare environment.  World-renowned surgeons, combined with a full staff of ACLS Certified Nurses ensure that patients receive outstanding care. Neurology and Pain Management are just a few of the specialties they provide.
• Retired NFL players face a variety of health issues.  The Gridiron Greats Medical Program will offer a wide range of specialties to players who qualify including: Pain Management, Spine, Orthopedic, Joint Replacements, Neurology, General Surgery, Hand and Upper Extremeties, Physical Rehabilitation, Rheumatology, and much more.
• Many retired NFL players suffer from football related medical issues and have nowhere to turn after they retire.  Players are often turned down for disability, unable to work, can’t work and are left to suffer in silence or spend what little funds they may have on medical treatments.  In many cases this causes crisis in other areas.  The Gridiron Greats has started this program to provide a mechanism for some players to address these issues.
• For players who qualify, the GGAF will provide support funds in advance of evaluation visits and surgeries to cover non-medical expenses such a travel, accommodations, food and other necessitates.
• GGAF will facilitate the Intake Process.  A medical coordinator will be added to the staff to assist with this process.  Evaluations and diagnosis in most cases will take place within 30 days from the day a player is approved. 
• High priority is given to the most dire cases and to players who have no health insurance and/or no means to support themselves.
• Non-medical qualifications for the program will be based on the GGAF grant criteria. All medical decisions are made solely by the physicians.
• The Gridiron Greats has also put a Medical Advisory Board in place.
• Complete details about the medical program, the facility and physicians is available at www.gridirongreats.org
• Players who would like to apply can call the toll free number 1-800-708-1078 or email gridirongreats24@aol.com