Health Plus - Colombian Pride Lines the Streets of Queens

For Immediate Release

Colombian Pride Lines the Streets of Queens
Health Plus Sponsors Colombian Day Parade

Media Inquiries:Kathryn Soman (718) 491-7493
Customer Inquiries: Marketing Department (888) 809-8009

Queens, NY - August 2, 2005 — Once again, Health Plus has shown its continuing support for the Latino Communities of New York City by sponsoring the Colombian Day Parade in Jackson Heights, Queens.

The Parade began at 69th street and traveled up Northern Blvd to 90th Street. Colombia’s vibrant culture is alive and well in New York City, especially in Queens, where many Colombians have made their home and built strong communities. In neighborhoods such as Jackson Heights and on Roosevelt Ave, there is a strong Colombian presence. The culture wafts seductively from the kitchens of local restaurants and dances from the speakers of cars passing by. Many Colombian nationals make Jackson Heights their first destination, simply because it reminds them of home. This annual Parade is joyous – and lively -- proof that Colombian food, music, and art will always be here for all to enjoy.

“We are always proud to support a festivity that unites the community and produces goodwill and cheer,” says Health Plus’s CEO Tom Early. “We’re proud to exhibit our commitment to the Colombian community in New York by sponsoring cultural events like this.”

Manuel Antonio Quezada and Joel Schneidmiller, both of Health Plus, stand atop the HP parade float with one of the traditional folk-dancing groups that performed at the Colombian Day Parade in Jackson Heights Queens arrayed in front.

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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.