For Immediate Release

Harmony Day Unites Bronx Residents with NYPD
Health Plus sponsors a day of community bonding

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Bronx, NY - July 25, 2005 — Last Tuesday, over 5,000 Bronx kids battled the heat and came out to Harris Field Park in the Bronx for Harmony Day. Medicaid managed care organization Health Plus, along with the Christian Community Benevolent Association and local politicians, sponsored the 16th Annual Harmony Day of fun, food, and community bonding.  Originally a Brooklyn event, Harmony Day was designed to bridge the gap between the NYPD and the Communities they protect and serve.

It is no secret that police don’t always get the respect they should while interacting with people in the community, especially the young.  And no secret, either, that young people can be easily misunderstood by the men and women policing their communities. This lack of understanding can be a disservice to both groups, as many kids may actually have something important to discuss with a police officer, whether it’s a problem at home, at school or in their neighborhood.  Harmony Day opens the lines of communication and allows kids to see the police in a different light -- as real people with genuine concern for their wellbeing.  Local officers credit Harmony Day, in part, with improving community relations.

This year’s Harmony Day included a picnic, magic shows, juggling, volleyball, and lots of other fun and games, including “Dunk the Cop”, which was very popular with the children and officers alike. 

“This is great way to show our presence in the Community,” said Rolland Garcia, Community Relations Manager for Health Plus.  “It lets us connect with the community, small business owners, and the Community Affairs Officers of the NYPD all at once.”

“Health Plus will do any and all that we can for the children of this city,” says Ada Rodriguez, Chief Marketing Officer for Health Plus.  “This event builds bonds between our kids and the Police who keep them safe.  We are always delighted to support Harmony Day!”




Lupe Rodriguez of Health Plus and members of the NYPD present Alexandra Molina with a brand-new bike, courtesy of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church during Bronx Harmony Day at Harris Field Park in the Bx.

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Health Plus, a not-for-profit, multi-cultural organization, is one of the fastest growing managed care organizations in New York City. It was established in 1984 with a commitment to provide coordinated quality health care and improving access to health care for uninsured and underserved families. In its annual review of managed care plans, the New York State Department of Health ranked Health Plus as the top plan for quality in its 2002 and 2003 "Consumer's Guide to Medicaid Managed Care in New York City." Health Plus is New York City's leading provider of Child Health Plus, a New York State Department of Health program that offers parents FREE or low-cost health insurance for children under the age of 19. "CRAIN'S New York Business" magazine ranked Health Plus fifth among the largest health maintenance organizations in the New York area.