MHS WINewsroom
MHS Participated at the “Fill A Packpack Fill A Need” Event Held in Marathon County (August 20th)
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MANAGED HEALTH SERVICES (MHS) SUPPORTS “FILL A BACKPACK FILL A NEED” PROGRAM IN MARATHON COUNTY
– Nearly 3,000 children received a backpack filled with school supplies. –
Managed Health Services (August 25, 2010)–a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) participated in the Fill A Backpack Fill A Need program, held by United Way of Marathon County and Workplace Volunteer Council on August 20th. Through their program, a record number of Marathon County school children (3,000) in Elementary School and Middle School received a brand new backpack filled with essential school supplies at the Wausau National Guard Armory.
Managed Health Services (MHS), a Medicaid Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) was excited to participate in this year’s program. MHS has a history of serving Wisconsin families for over 25 years, offering Medicaid, SSI and Medicare Advantage to Wisconsin residents. Supporting MHS and Network Health Plan (NHP), Ali Ho and Lori Noll attended the event, in partnership with Isabel Mandli, Outreach Coordinator for Bridge Community Health Clinic to reach families and children. Health education information was given out on diabetes, asthma, eating healthy, managing one’s weight, balancing life with work and play, women’s health, men’s health, children’s health, lead poisoning screenings, Healthchecks, and immunizations.
Pam Rundhaug, vice president of medical management at MHS stated, “We are very grateful to have been invited to take part in this day’s event. It provided us with an opportunity to remind families to have their children’s immunizations updated, and lead levels tested—as well as to schedule a Healthcheck appointment before school starts. It was wonderful to see such a large turnout. Everyone was very appreciative.”
MHS was able to supply children with pencils, rulers, coloring books and teddy bears. Both jump ropes and frisbees were given out to families to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle. Toothbrushes and toothpaste were provided for the children by Dentaquest, an MHS dental provider. The toothbrushes came in several different bright colors, and were enjoyed by the children and parents alike. When asked by Channel 7, WSAW what the children most looked forward to about the day, they said, “I like the backpack. They’re really cool and they have lots of pockets.”, “You don’t have to go all over the place for school supplies that you have to get because it’s all in the backpack that you get.”, “I like the toothbrush because you can get whatever color you want.”, and last but not least, “I like the school supplies because it saves mom money and that’s what pays the bills and stuff.”
“MHS looks forward to continuing to support and provide health education and coverage to those in Marathon County and surrounding counties. Staying healthy is our goal,” says Sherry Husa, MHS president and CEO. “We are committed to serving Wisconsin residents with affordable and accessible quality health care.”
MHS is proud to have participated in this program put on by United Way of Marathon County and the Workplace Volunteer Council to assist those in need while supporting education. We would enjoy the opportunity to take part in next year’s Fill A Backpack Fill A Need program. The Workplace Volunteer Council is an affiliated program of the United Way of Marathon County.
The Workplace Volunteer Council is a self-governed program and solely in charge of operations. The United Way serves as the fiscal agent to the Workplace Volunteer Council. For additional information on the Fill A Backpack Fill A Need program and program supporters, please visit Channel 7 WSAW (artile/video), Wausau Daily Herald (article) or www.mhswi.com.
About Managed Health Services
Managed Health Services Insurance Corp® (MHS) is a health maintenance organization that has been providing Medicaid services for Wisconsin beneficiaries since 1984. MHS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading multi-line healthcare enterprise offering both core Medicaid and specialty services. Information regarding MHS is available via the Internet at www.mhswi.com.
About Centene Corporation
Centene Corporation is a leading multi-line healthcare enterprise that provides programs and related services to the rising number of under-insured and uninsured individuals. Many receive benefits provided under Medicaid, including the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), Foster Care and long-term care, in addition to other state-sponsored programs, and Medicare (Special Needs Plans). Centene’s CeltiCare subsidiary offers states unique, “exchange based” and other cost-effective coverage solutions for low-income populations. The Company operates local health plans and offers a range of health insurance solutions. It also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health, life and health management, managed vision, telehealth services, and pharmacy benefits management. More information regarding Centene is available at www.centene.com.
Contact: Carol Heideman Director, Marketing & Communications
(414) 773-4068
SOURCE: Managed Health Services. All rights reserved.
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