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Press Releases
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Press ReleaseIndependence Blue Cross Aids Rising Sun Health CenterIBC Charitable Medical Care Grants Support Care for the Uninsured
Philadelphia, PA - March 22, 2005 - Ruth Reece, C.R.N.P, is one extremely busy woman. As the clinical Director and only full-time nurse practitioner at Rising Sun Health Center, Ruth has seen more than 1700 uninsured and underinsured men, women and children during the past year. Many of those she treats come from Vietnam, Asia, India and other non-English speaking countries. While Ruth speaks both Spanish and English, the center is in need of extra help to reach the many diverse residents in the area. That help recently arrived in the form of a three-year grant from Independence Blue Cross's Charitable Medical Care Grant Program. The program provides financial support for non-profit, privately funded clinics in southeastern Pennsylvania who provide free or low-cost care to the area's uninsured. "The grant comes at such a critical time for Rising Sun," says Elaine R. Fox, vice president at Philadelphia Health Management Corporation (PHMC). Rising Sun joined PHMC's network in 2004. The grant provides funds for an outreach worker and materials that will help the clinic establish itself as a multi-cultural, comprehensive health care clinic. In addition, the grant will enable Rising Sun to purchase medications for those who are unable to do so on their own. "We're in the middle of a strong ethnic enclave and need to reach out to those people and create culturally relevant materials for them," says Fox. "IBC has made it possible for us to provide outreach workers who speak their language." "The Charitable Medical Care Program is a shining example of IBC's commitment to the health of our community," said Steve Fera, Vice President, IBC Social Mission Programs. "The CMC Grant Program helps the uninsured gain access to much needed medical care, which helps fill a void our community is struggling to address. It also helps reduce incidents of uncompensated care for providers, which ultimately helps control medical costs for our members." The Charitable Medical Care Grant program provides clinics with a three-year financial commitment to help 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 in the clinics. To date, IBC has dedicated nearly $3.8 million to 20 clinics over the next three years. Unique to Rising Sun is a community advisory council, which is made up of members of the immediate community and formed to reflect the diverse nature of the community. "We're here to provide those who need us with a health care home. Without the help of the community and our advisory council, we might not be as successful at reaching such a diverse population," says Ruth. "When the patients join me in a partnership, that's when we get the best results. We do a lot of great things here, and when people are ready to seek care, we're here to help." For more information about this clinic or the additional clinics aided by the IBC Charitable Medical Care Grant Program, contact Sheila Hess at 215-241-3229 or send an email. About Rising Sun Health CenterFormerly known as Hill Creak Health Center, Rising Sun joined PHMC in 2004. A comprehensive care center located at 500 Adams Avenue in Philadelphia, Rising Sun sees a diverse population of uninsured and under-insured men, women and children. In December 2004, Rising Sun achieved Federal Qualified Health Center status and looks to expand services and staff in the near future. 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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