Health Plus - Health Plus Sports Boricua Spirit

For Immediate Release

Health Plus Sports Boricua Spirit
Thousands Revel at Festival in Park Slope

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

Brooklyn, NY - July 30, 2006 — There may be an unlimited number of things one can do in the City of New York that are fun, festive, and free, but the annual Boricua Festival in Brooklyn -- celebrating the unique and vibrant island culture of Puerto Rico, once known as “Boriken” -- encompasses those three elements and much more. The Boricua Festival, starring well-known Puerto Rican artists such as the Camacho Brothers, Starlight Youth Dancers, Grupo Latin Vibe, Joe Bataan, and Sonora Poñcena, takes place each year at the Prospect Park Bandshell in Brooklyn’s Park Slope, a featured component of the “Celebrate Brooklyn!” schedule of events.

Among the sponsors that make this event happen each year is managed care organization Health Plus, whose staff members were eager to participate in the festivities. Dressed in their signature light blue, they were present to paint faces, distribute mini fans and other giveaways, as well as to prepare Puerto Rican delicacies for guests of all ages to sample and enjoy. “We’re always excited to be part of an event that promotes cultural unity within communities,” says Chief Marketing Officer of Health Plus, Ada Rodriguez, a proud Boricuan herself. “This festival really exemplifies the rich culture of Puerto Rico and the spirit of the people who call or once called Puerto Rico home.”

Clearly an old hand at the grill, Special Events Coordinator Hommy Pena, of Health Plus, prepares delicious burgers for guests at the annual Boricua Festival, once again sponsored by the managed care organization.

Health Plus staff and volunteers gather at the Prospect Park Bandshell in Park Slope, Brooklyn, to celebrate and support the Boricua Festival, sponsored each year by the managed care organization.

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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.