For Immediate Release

Play Ball, But with a Focus on Health
Health Plus and Lutheran Medical Center Hold Health Fair at Shea Stadium

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Queens, NY - September 14, 2005 — Last week, managed care organization Health Plus teamed up with long-time partner Lutheran Medical Center (LMC) and the New York Mets to hold a health fair at the ball team’s home park, Shea Stadium.

LMC staff was on hand to conduct blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and also had information packets readily available on all topics, ranging from HIV/AIDS to asthma to proper nutrition.  Also in attendance that day was Colgate, there to distribute information on proper dental hygiene. Medicaid managed care organization Health Plus offered information on free and affordable health care for children and adults, and was able to enroll anyone who qualified into their health plans.

“We are always proud to sponsor any event that raises public awareness of health concerns,” said Tom Early, Executive Director of Health Plus.  “It’s always been one of our main goals to connect with the public on a personal level and let them know about the healthcare products and services we offer. It’s easy to mass distribute information, but when you get out there, and work one-on-one with people, it makes a bigger impact, which you can really see in their faces as they learn something new that empowers them where their own health is concerned.  This was certainly a rewarding experience for everyone involved, and we’re looking forward to participating in more events like this.”




Helen Torres, Carina Vizhnay, Tom Early, Manuel Quezada, Paul Danforth, Ada Rodriguez, Angel Rivera stand behind Robert Darden as he gives a health screening to Ed Venezia of the Mets at the Health Fair.

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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.