Press Release

IBC Aids Drexel's Eleventh Street Family Health Services

IBC's Charitable Medical Grants Support Care for the Uninsured

Philadelphia, PA - September 15, 2004 Once each month, about a dozen area residents flock into a North Philadelphia kitchen for a simple lunch of chicken and pasta and, for dessert, a lesson on nutrition. At the Eleventh Street Family Health Services of Drexel University, heart-healthy lunches represent one way to help area residents make the connection between nutrition and health issues such as hypertension and high cholesterol.

Located in the heart of the Richard Allen homes — a federally-designated "health professional shortage area" — the Eleventh Street health center has gotten creative about bringing their message of good health to public housing residents in the 11th Street corridor.

The health center' vital role in serving the community made it one of the first clinics to receive a three-year grant from Independence Blue Cross's Charitable Medical Care Grant Program.

"We have events that are fun and non-threatening, such as exercise and art classes to bring people into the health center," explained Patricia Gerrity, Associate Dean for Community Programs. "Once people come into the center, meet the staff and experience the friendly and welcoming atmosphere, they eventually access the health services we offer. We have many programs and outreach services, but ultimately, we provide much needed health care services to a population that's too often overlooked."

IBC's Charitable Medical Care Grant Program provides financial support for non-profit, privately funded health centers in Southeastern Pennsylvania providing 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.

"We're pleased to offer Eleventh Street Family Health Services the support they need to continue to provide care in Philadelphia and to fill a tremendous need in our region," said G. Fred DiBona, Jr., IBC President and CEO. "Without health centers such as the Eleventh Street Family Health Services, many uninsured would simply go without medical care or seek care at hospital emergency rooms."

"The grant not only helps health centers such as this provide care for the uninsured," DiBona added, "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."

Eleventh Street Family Health Services — a freestanding state-of-the-art health center — serves about 1,700 people with well visits as well as treatments for chronic diseases, mental health, and drug and alcohol problems. With about 40 percent of the patients living without health insurance and almost 80 percent of them falling below 200 percent of poverty level, the Eleventh Street facility is more than a health center — it's a safety net for the underserved population.

"Our onsite health services and outreach programs are a lifeline to the community and the inner city residents," said Gerrity. "Without funding from individuals and companies like IBC, we would not be able to continue to provide care."

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 Eleventh Street Family Health Services of Drexel University
Eleventh Street Family Health Services is a nurse-managed health center that provides primary medical care, including prenatal care, behavioral health services, health education and promotion services, and podiatry services. Dental services will be offered starting this fall.

About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, IBC and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.5 million people.