NEW YORK – Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum has received the November NBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by Kaiser Permanente in recognition of his consistent efforts to promote education and literacy throughout Portland, the NBA announced today.  The award recognizes an NBA player each month who best reflects the passion that the league and its players share for giving back to their communities.

Kaiser Permanente and the NBA are honoring McCollum for his work to encourage youth in their education and career development, with a particular focus on improving literacy.  In collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro, McCollum opened the first CJ McCollum Dream Center at the Blazers Boys & Girls Club in November.  In addition to personally designing and funding the space, McCollum selected the new amenities featured including: 200 books, 12 computers and headphones, a flat screen TV, a printer, furniture, flooring and artwork.

McCollum also helped develop the center’s programming which includes a speaker series, and special coding, literacy and exploration clubs to engage youth in diverse educational and career opportunities.  The initiative continues to grow as McCollum is set to open two more Dream Centers in the spring and fall of 2017.  McCollum has also worked with Portland Public Schools for the second straight year with his CJ’s Press Pass program, mentoring more than 30 high schoolers specifically interested in journalism.

“Being an NBA player has provided me with an incredible platform to make a difference in the lives of so many people,” said McCollum.  “Since my arrival in Portland, the community has embraced me, and I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to give back to young people throughout the city for years to come.”

Before tonight’s home game against the Dallas Mavericks, McCollum will be presented the award during an oncourt ceremony.  The award honors the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson, who improved the community piece by piece.  In addition, Kaiser Permanente and the NBA will donate $10,000 on McCollum’s behalf to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro.

To learn more, please visit http://www.nba.com/communityassist/.

About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care.  We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans.  Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve.  We currently serve more than 10.6 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia.  Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers.  Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management.  Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: kp.org/share.