TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/
-- Families and individuals struggling with economic
hardship are often unable to prioritize their health or obtain
needed preventive care. To address this issue, WellCare of
Florida, a subsidiary of WellCare
Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG), has awarded $8,000 in micro-grants to support six
organizations working to support the social safety net for
Floridians.
Research indicates that four out of five people experience
economic hardship by the time they are 60, such as enduring
unemployment, living at least a year below the poverty level, or
requiring the support of government programs, such as food
stamps.
"WellCare's micro-grant program is one facet of our commitment
to building partnerships with community-based organizations that
offer support in meeting basic social needs," said Chris Swigon, WellCare's regional manager of
community advocacy. "These grants of up to $1,500 each help organizations find their own
solutions to challenges that affect the health of individuals and
families."
In Florida, these micro-grants
aim to help organizations that help people find their way back to
stable living environments, and thus, more healthy lives. For
example, one micro-grant will help provide transportation for
seniors, persons with disabilities and low-income individuals who
live in Leon County who are
seeking to attend programs designed for health, well-being and
self-sufficiency. Another grant is aimed at serving the
population in Valrico County, where it will be used to fund an
organization that supplies resources for single mothers, the
elderly and the homeless.
This year's micro-grants were awarded to:
- Alpha House of Tampa – A $1,000 micro-grant will provide safe, reliable
transportation for 100 homeless pregnant and parenting women and
their infants and children during the grant year.
- Beacon of Hope Pine Island, Inc. – A $1,500 micro-grant will help provide a daily meal
and wellness visits to residents who are unable to prepare or shop
for food due to disability, illness, limited mental or physical
abilities and low income.
- City of Tallahassee/Star Metro Transit – A
$1,500 micro-grant will provide
transportation for individuals to attend programs focusing on
health, well-being and self-sufficiency.
- Ministerio Cornas Del Rey, Inc. – A $1,500 micro-grant to supply resources for single
mothers, the elderly and the homeless.
- St. Vincent de Paul Orlando – A $1,000 micro-grant will help provide
person-to-person service to the needy and suffering.
- URLinked Charities – A $1,500 micro-grant supported more than 70 girls,
ages 10-17, attend the I Am Me Retreat, which provided sessions on
childhood obesity and the importance of dental
care.
WellCare's community partners express appreciation for the
program.
"This grant will help our patrons with transportation, such as
bus passes to help them get to work or a doctor's appointment or
repairs to keep a personal vehicle in running order," said
Trace Trylko, executive director of
St. Vincent de Paul Orlando.
"The impact of this grant assisted our girls in several
ways. Most importantly it will provide the tools necessary for
them to be the mature and empowered individual they need to be,"
said Iris Thurman, executive
director and founder of URLinked Charities.
As of Dec. 31, 2016, WellCare
serves approximately 780,000 Medicaid members, 62,000 Florida
Healthy Kids members, 94,000 Medicare Advantage members, and 28,000
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Florida.
About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
Headquartered in
Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health
Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing
government-sponsored managed care services, primarily through
Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans,
to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical
needs. The company serves approximately 3.9 million members
nationwide as of Dec. 31, 2016. For
more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website
at www.wellcare.com or view the company's videos at
https://www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan.
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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.