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Press Release

Christopher D. Butler, Independence Blue Cross Senior Executive, Receives 2007 Community Champion Award

Norristown, PA - May 9, 2007 - Annually, Gaudenzia Inc., Pennsylvania’s largest provider of substance abuse and mental-related illness treatment and prevention programs, honors a distinguished citizen for his or her outstanding leadership and service to the local community during its Community Champion Award Dinner and Benefit Auction.

On Wednesday, May 9, 2007, Gaudenzia bestowed its prestigious 2007 Community Champion award upon Christopher D. Butler, Executive Vice President and COO of Independence Blue Cross, for his exemplary service, commitment and support of Philadelphia community-based programs. Over 400 supporters were on hand at this annual event. Monies raised as a result of this event will be used to support Gaudenzia’s Greater Philadelphia Region.

“Chris Butler has shown tremendous dedication and leadership to bettering the Philadelphia region, and we are proud to bestow our highest honor upon him,” said Michael Harle, Executive Director/CEO of Gaudenzia. “Chris’s unwavering commitment to giving back to the local community is something that benefits our entire region and all of its citizens.”

About Gaudenzia, Inc.
Gaudenzia opened in 1968 with one location on Tioga Street in Philadelphia. Today Gaudenzia operates more than 103 programs in 58 facilities throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware.

Gaudenzia’s Mission
Gaudenzia helps people affected by chemical dependency, mental illness, and related conditions to achieve a better quality of life, allowing them to live as productive individuals. This is accomplished through comprehensive treatment and prevention methods guided by a philosophy of mutual concern and responsibility. Gaudenzia also conducts research and educates the community on the causes, treatment and prevention of addictions, mental illness and related conditions.

About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.4 million people. For nearly 70 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals.

To fulfill its commitment to the communities and people it serves, Independence Blue Cross contributes millions of dollars each year to improve access to quality, affordable health care in the region by funding clinics for the uninsured, increasing the supply of nurses, fighting hospital-acquired infections, and promoting community wellness.

In 2006, Independence Blue Cross was nationally recognized by the Disease Management Association of America for Connections, its outstanding program that improves the health and well-being of people with chronic illnesses. Independence Blue Cross’s HMO and PPO health care plans have consistently received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance.