Imagine it: A child who comes to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital with a behavioral health crisis enjoys a special, kid-friendly space to play outside. To play putt-putt, to draw with chalk, to be surrounded by fresh air, bright artwork and laughter. To simply be a kid, even while in the hospital.
Thanks to the generosity of the Presidents Cup, that vision will soon be a reality. The group behind golf’s premier global team event – which will be held at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte the week of September 19 - 25, 2022 – donated the funds for a putt-putt green and outdoor recreation area exclusively for patients at Levine Children’s Hospital. The green will open by the time of the tournament, as part of the partnership between Atrium Health and the Presidents Cup. Atrium Health is the Official Healthcare Provider of the 2022 Presidents Cup.
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“Giving back has always been at the heart of the PGA TOUR, and supporting the communities in which we play is just as important as any other piece of our business,” says Adam Sperling, executive director of the Presidents Cup. “Since our first day in Charlotte, part of our mission has been to listen to this community and focus our attention on creating an impact in the most important corridors, for those who need it most. To bring golf to this campus and provide these inspiring children with access to an outdoor activity, and hopefully a respite from their day, is truly a dream come true for the Presidents Cup team.”
When the Presidents Cup reached out to Atrium Health with the idea of donating a putt-putt green, they asked Atrium Health to find the most fitting location for it. Atrium Health knew exactly which patients would benefit most: pediatric behavioral health patients at Levine Children’s Hospital.
“Every children’s hospital in the country right now is working to combat the behavioral health crisis,” says Clay Locklear, assistant vice president of administration at Levine Children’s Hospital. “This will be a really cool space that will complement the other things that we offer these patients to give them hope.”
Bryanna Baptiste has worked as an advanced practice provider (APP) at Levine Children’s Hospital with behavioral health patients for three years. During that time, she’s seen the patient volume triple. This is consistent with numbers across the country, where a growing number of kids and teens experience mental health crises. Levine Children’s Hospital offers a wing for patients with mental health concerns to stay before going to their next level of care. Some of these patients are dealing with trauma, suicidal ideation or other mental health concerns. This new outdoor space will create a special place, just for them.
“It’ll be really cool just to see patients being themselves. They’ll be in a safe, fun spot that can really capture their creativity – give them fresh air, a place to draw, a place to play,” Baptiste says. “Let’s give kids opportunities while they’re here to play, to try to make things feel more normal. It’ll be a good way to support these kids. This may even reduce their anxiety and help from a therapy standpoint.”
“The mission of Atrium Health is ‘to improve health, elevate hope, and advance healing – for all,’ and this shows that we take that a step further,” Locklear says.
For the Presidents Cup, Charlotte is more than just a host city for the 2022 event. Instead, it’s an opportunity for the Presidents Cup and Charlotte to partner in supporting the community in a lasting way.
“We are proud of our partnership with Atrium Health and is grateful for the services and care delivered to our players, volunteers, spectators, sponsors and our neighbors throughout the Carolinas,” Sperling says. “The ultimate success of the 2022 Presidents Cup will be reflective of what an incredible community exists in Charlotte, with that success will extending beyond the golf course long after the winning team raises the Cup on September 25.”
