Banner Health has been designated as an official Medical Network partner for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). The nonprofit health system will serve as the regional partner for Arizona, tasked with delivering comprehensive medical services to eligible athletes representing Team USA.
The USOPC Medical Network supports approximately 1,300 Olympic and Paralympic athletes nationwide. The network provides specialized care in orthopedics, sports medicine, general medicine, and women's health. Banner Health’s selection highlights its capacity to offer both specialized athletic care and broader health services within a single integrated system.
Lisa Mukavitz, Banner Health vice president of service lines, stated that the organization is proud to support athletes who compete on the world stage. She emphasized that elite athletes require health care that matches their commitment, noting that the partnership focuses on supporting every dimension of an athlete's health rather than just treating injuries. Mukavitz described the approach as integrated care, where sports medicine experts, primary care physicians, and specialists work collaboratively to support the whole athlete.
The partnership aligns with the USOPC Medical Network's mission to champion athlete-centered care. The focus is on prevention, performance optimization, and proactive health management. This model mirrors the sustainable care approach Banner Health is implementing across its system. The organization cites a track record of supporting professional and collegiate teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Arizona Diamondbacks, and the University of Arizona, as well as youth athletes statewide.
Banner Health operates 33 hospitals, academic medical centers, and an extensive network of clinics across six states. Through Banner Sports Medicine and the Banner Sports Medicine High Performance Center, athletes have access to advanced imaging, biomechanical analysis, performance optimization, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and recovery services. These services are designed to reduce injury risk and manage health proactively.
