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Press Releases
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Press ReleaseIBC Aids Project Salud of La Comunidad HispanaIBC Charitable Medical Care Grant Supports Care for the Uninsured  Nurse practitioner Marguerite Harris examines a patient at Project Salud of La Comunidad Hispana. Project Salud, a nurse-managed primary health are center in Kennett Square, treats nearly 3,000 patients every year. Nearly all of the patients are uninsured.  A patient gets her blood pressure checked by Certified Nurse Midwife Macia Welsh at Project Salud of La Comunidad Hispana. Project Salud provides bicultural and bilingual primary care in Chester County. Philadelphia, PA - September 15, 2004 - For the Mexican immigrants who come to Chester County in search of work, the search for medical care can be even more difficult. "For many Latinos in Chester County, access to health care service is compounded by language and cultural barriers — barriers that increase isolation, vulnerability and lack of access to information," said Peggy Harris, director of Project Salud of La Comunidad Hispana. "Our staff is not only bilingual, but they're bicultural as well, so that the community here trusts us and we are able to help those seeking assistance." Project Salud, a nurse-managed primary health care center, treats nearly 3,000 patients every year and the numbers continue to grow. Almost all of the center's patients — at least 97 percent — are uninsured, and no one who comes to Project Salud is turned away. Although a private fund is available to provide financial help to those who cannot afford the low fees, many patients come back — sometimes years later — to repay the gift. "We're pleased to offer Project Salud the support they need to continue to provide care in Chester County and to fill a tremendous need in our region," said G. Fred DiBona, Jr., President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross. "Without clinics such as Project Salud, many uninsured would otherwise go to the hospital emergency rooms for their medical care, if they seek care at all." "This grant," DiBona added, "not only helps clinics such as Project Salud provide care for the uninsured, but it also helps rein in our region's crisis in uncompensated medical care and ultimately helps control health care costs for all of our members. When the entire community is healthy, everyone benefits." "This grant will allow us to extend our hours and to expand services such as our prenatal care program," said Harris. "To have Independence Blue Cross recognize and support the impact we have in our community is incredible." The Charitable Medical Care Grant Program, initiated in December 2003, gives financial support for non-profit, privately funded clinics in southeastern Pennsylvania that provide free or nominal fee care to the uninsured. A three-year commitment makes grants available to support areas such as general operating expenses, unfunded pharmaceutical needs, medical supplies, specialty care, diagnostic tests, or other pertinent needs critical to the delivery of care within the clinics. To date, IBC has dedicated $2.8 million to 13 clinics over the next three years. For more information about this clinic or the additional clinics aided by the IBC Charitable Medical Care Grant Program, contact Butch Ward at 215-241-2220. About Project Salud of La Comunidad HispanaEstablished in 1985, Project Salud is a nurse-managed primary health care center under La Comunidad Hispana, that offers a holistic approach to families and individuals in Chester County. Focusing on education as a tool for preventive care, Project Salud provides primary care in a bicultural and bilingual atmosphere to the nearly 3,000 patients who arrive at their doorstep — most of them recent Mexican immigrants and almost all of them uninsured. The health center also provides referrals, transportation and medical interpretation for appointments with collaborating area hospitals and specialists. About Independence Blue CrossIndependence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, IBC and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.5 million people.
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