Innovators in Providing Health Education
Kaiser Permanente, a major nonprofit health plan serving more than 480,000 members, has been bringing health education into communities through its Educational Theatre Programs since 1985. Kaiser Permanente's Educational Theatre Programs have expanded from a single play for elementary school children to an assorted offering of presentations, skill-building workshops, residency programs, and community-generated productions – all intended to improve the health and well-being of community members. These programs, offered free of charge, have been presented to almost 2 million audience members.
A Multi-talented Troupe
The ethnically diverse group of adults who make up the Educational Theatre Programs' troupe are not only professional actors, but also serve as workshop facilitators and health educators in the various forums where they present.
Award-winning Programs
Kaiser Permanente's Educational Theatre Programs have received a number of awards for utilization of the arts to address issues affecting the health and well-being of communities. These include:
- Jefferson County's PACCT (Parents and Communities Connecting Together), Asset Builder of the Year
- Denver Medical Society, Community Education Award
- The Mizel Museum of Judaica, Special Corporate Sponsorship
- The Colorado Alliance for Arts Education, Outstanding Community Professional Theatre Program
- Mayor's Award for Excellence in the Arts
- Colorado Business Committee for the Arts, Large Business Award
- Colorado Business Committee for the Arts, Special Recognition Award
- Search Institute, Jostens Asset Development Award
All programs are free to schools, nonprofit organizations and community groups along Colorado's Front Range – from Longmont to Colorado Springs – in Kaiser Permanente's service area. For scheduling information, call 303-344-7259.
Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit
Educational Theatre Programs are one component of Kaiser Permanente's Community Benefit Department. Click here to learn about applying for our grants, our charity care policy, and our dues subsidy programs.
Kaiser Permanente and Kid Wisdom TV Commercial
Kaiser Permanente's long-standing commitment to total health continues to be emphasized through the Thrive campaign. The campaign, now in its 4th year, promotes the message that Kaiser Permanente is an advocate for health, helping its members to live healthier, happier lives. The new television commercial called Kid Wisdom began as a platform to address the issue of childhood obesity, but in the process it became clear that our stand for total health means helping all children understand what it means to make healthy choices through balance and moderation. Click here to view the commercial.
