Press Release

IBC Aids Project H.O.M.E.

IBC Charitable Medical Care Grant Supports Care for the Uninsured

Philadelphia, PA - September 15, 2004 The men at the former St. Elizabeth's convent had some serious medical problems — and no health insurance. Living in the North Philadelphia haven while they were recovering from their addictions, the men needed more than a roof over their heads to break the cycle of homelessness and addiction — they needed help. And Sister Mary Scullion was ready to oblige. Garnering Dr. Lara Weinstein to volunteer on a monthly basis, the back room on the first floor of the rectory slowly evolved into a free clinic to help not just the recovering men, but a recovering community that has resurrected itself from abandoned homes and urban decay.

Today, the clinic operates two days a week for two to four hours and treats about 200 walk-in patients from the neighborhood. Many of the patients are uninsured or underinsured, but no one is turned away for treatment.

"The phenomenal thing is not only can people see a doctor, but they see such very competent doctor and experience top quality staff and care," said Sister Mary Scullion, Executive Director and founder of Project H.O.M.E. "But the bad news is that even though this is a free clinic, it's tough for patients without insurance — there are barriers to care if they need blood or lab tests."

"Many of the patients who walk into the clinic have a history of abuse, exposure to violence and mental illness that makes them most vulnerable," said Sister Anne Kappler, the Project H.O.M.E.'s Health Services Coordinator and the clinic's nurse. "While we encourage patients to stay with their primary care provider if they have one, many people come to our clinic because of a variety of issues they deal with. Our philosophy is to help the process, especially since many patients lack internal or external resources to help them navigate their own healthcare."

To help Project H.O.M.E. continue to provide care to the North Philadelphia neighborhood, Independence Blue Cross has bestowed the center a grant from its Charitable Medical Care Grant Program.

"We're pleased to offer Project H.O.M.E. 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 Project H.O.M.E., many uninsured would simply go without medical care or seek care at hospital emergency rooms."

"It's not just about doing the right thing: the Charitable Medical Care Grant Program makes good business sense for IBC as a health insurance company," DiBona added. "The grant not only helps health centers such as Project H.O.M.E. 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."

The Charitable Medical Care Grant Program, initiated in December 2003, 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 that Independence Blue Cross will provide Project H.O.M.E. the financial support to help us improve the services we give," said Sister Kappler. "The grant will help us expand the clinic's hours, improve the environment and to support our health care promotions such as diabetes management and exercise program."

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 H.O.M.E.
Project H.O.M.E. (Housing Opportunities for Employment, Medical Care, Education), a nationally recognized organization, empowers people to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty by addressing structural causes of poverty and enabling individuals to attain their fullest potential through a continuum of care that includes high-quality, affordable health care. The clinic is part of the Community Health Initiatives Program and provides community-based health services for children and adults. Available services include: medical care services, health education, connection to resources, diabetes screening, health workshops and home visits.

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.