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Press Release

Independence Blue Cross and Phones for Life Join Forces to Help Senior Citizens

Philadelphia, PA - December 21, 2006 - Independence Blue Cross and non-profit organization Phones for Life have joined forces to benefit senior citizens through the collection of used cell phones.

Through the Blue Crew corporate volunteer program, Independence Blue Cross employees donated more than 620 used cell phones, which will provide free emergency cell phones to about 4,000 senior citizens living in the Philadelphia region. The phones include free pre-paid minutes to make and receive calls.

“We’re pleased to connect with an organization that helps the seniors in our community reach out during an emergency,” said Sheila Hess, manager of Social Mission Programs at Independence Blue Cross, who coordinated the company’s cell phone drive. “The recycled phones are a reassuring lifeline to our area seniors that help is only a phone call away.”

“We’re very pleased with the success of this phone drive and proud to partner with Independence Blue Cross to help so many people who are in need,” said Dr. Dee L’Archeveque (Dr. Dee), CEO and founder of Phones for Life. “These donated phones will turn into emergency cell phones to help provide a sense of security to some of the more vulnerable in our community.”

For information on individual or corporate used cell phone donations to Phones for Life/Independence Blue Cross Phone Drive, please visit Phones for Life or call (818) 236-2704.

Phones for Life, Inc.
Phones for Life, Inc. is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization founded in 1999 — its mission — to distribute emergency-use cellular phones to the elderly and disabled who cannot afford cell phone service. Phones for Life distributes donated cell phones to area senior citizen centers groups and organizations serving victims of domestic violence. People can donate their phones online at Phones for Life.

Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, IBC and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.4 million people. For nearly 70 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered quality health care products and services tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, groups and providers.

Independence Blue Cross recently received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its HMO and PPO health care plans. In addition, in 2005, Independence Blue Cross’s Personal Choice was rated the No. 1 PPO in the nation and its Keystone HMO was ranked the No. 1 HMO in the region by health care consumers in a leading independent consumer magazine.

 

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