Health Plus - Spreading Holiday Cheer Across the Land

For Immediate Release

Spreading Holiday Cheer Across the Land
Health Plus Brightens the Season for Thousands of Children

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

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - December 20, 2007 — Keeping alive what has become a cherished local tradition, managed care organization Health Plus is back for another year of holiday-oriented events, sharing a warm season’s greetings with children and their families across the New York area. At community centers throughout the five boroughs of New York City and Nassau County, children waited in line with their parents for a chance to sit on old St. Nick’s lap and whisper what they’ve been wishing for. And, courtesy of Heath Plus, over 10,000 children received a free gift.
Waiting in line for their turn to pose with Santa, children danced to holiday music, while munching on holiday cookies passed out by Health Plus staff. Some of the children stood in wonder before the many giant balloon displays set up at each location, while others were content to play with their new toy trucks and video games -- just two of the many gifts that Health Plus distributed.
“This is such a happy time of the year for most of us,” said Tom Early, Executive Director of Health Plus. “Hosting these events just adds to the charm of the season for us. We understand that some children are not as fortunate as others, but if we can make a difference for them, then we will continue to spread holiday cheer each and every year.”

Joseph Bouquet (top center), and Carina Vizhnay celebrate the holidays at the Long Island Hospital Pediatrics Center with several small children, their parents, and some festively dressed Disney characters.

(from left to right) Alejandro Veras, Luis Colon and Yanela Roque, Julio Coronel, and Celeny Olivo, celebrate the holidays with Santa Claus, two young girls and their mother at Wyckoff Hospital in Brooklyn.

Eugene Thompson and Ramsis De Jesus, pass out toys, while an overjoyed Staten Island youngster enjoys some festive snacks at the Cromwell Center in Staten Island.

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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.