Health Plus - Sunset Park Comes Out to Party

For Immediate Release

Sunset Park Comes Out to Party
Health Plus Sponsors Annual Fifth Ave Street Fair

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

Brooklyn, New York - September 18, 2007 — This past Sunday, thousands of Sunset Park residents flooded the blocks along Fifth Avenue, as traffic was cleared out between 44th Street and 59th Street for the Annual Fifth Avenue Street Fair, once again sponsored by managed care organization Health Plus.

For some -- mostly the younger residents -- the fair signifies a return to the school year and one last chance to enjoy the still warm and sunny days. For others, the annual event is a reminder that fall is just around the corner. But for all residents of this vibrant neighborhood, it’s a day to party and celebrate the various cultures of the area. The wafting seductions of festival fare from local eateries permeated the air, including American, Latino, and Chinese delicacies. Games and carnival rides kept the kids busy, while parents danced away to the tunes coming from several different stages set up along the strip. One of the day’s highlights was a performance by freestyle legend George Lamond, who delighted fans with classics, as well as new material.

“How could we not get excited about the Fifth Avenue Street Fair?” said Tom Early, Executive Director of Health Plus. “This community is where we started, and it will always feel like home to us. So when Sunset Park celebrates, you know we’re going to celebrate, too!”

Health Plus Senior Marketing Representatives Nilda Martinez and Tommy Pena explain to a Brooklyn mother how she can get health coverage for her children.

A festive crowd stands shoulder to shoulder , enjoying an energetic performance by freestyle legend George Lamond at the annual Fifth Avenue Street Fair in Sunset Park.

# # #

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.