Health Plus - A Touch of Colombia

For Immediate Release

A Touch of Colombia
Health Plus Sponsors the NY Colombian Day Parade Once Again

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

Queens, NY - July 24, 2006 — In its ongoing mission of commitment to serving communities in the New York metro area – and most recently, Nassau County – managed healthcare organization Health Plus once again sponsored the Colombian Day Parade.

The parade takes place each year in the heart of Jackson Heights, kicking off on Northern Boulevard and then stretching from 69th to 90th streets. Jackson Heights, a bustling neighborhood on the west side of Queens, is the quintessential example of the multicultural neighborhoods that exist throughout the New York metro area. Long a haven for immigrants, over the years, it has become a place that a number of Latino communities have learned to call “home” -- including those of Colombian descent -- making Jackson Heights the perfect location to celebrate the unity and vibrant spirit of the Colombian culture.

Despite weather forecasts of clouds and rain, avid supporters of the New York Colombian Day Parade – along with Health Plus – transformed the streets of Jackson Heights into the site of festive colors, the sounds of distinctively Columbian music, and the scent of delicious ethnic dishes – all representative of the lively Colombian culture present in the City of New York.

Special Events Associate Hommy Peña, of Health Plus and members of the “Grupo Folklorico Garabatos Del Norte”, one of the traditional folk dancing groups that performed at Sunday’s Columbian Day Parade in Queens.

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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.