ST. LOUIS, Dec. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation
(NYSE: CNC) was selected for its Start Smart for Your Baby® (Start
Smart) program as one of three winners for the International
Community Health Promotion Awards (IHPA). The IHPA Awards,
established by URAC and the Global Knowledge Exchange Network
(GKEN), recognize organizations around the world that have
implemented innovative health promotion programs that have made
real and reproducible effects that dramatically improve health. The
winners were announced during a symposium, December 6-7, 2010, in Rome, Italy.
The goal of IHPA is to promote "cross-fertilization" of health
promotion ideas within the health care industry. The winners were
chosen by a distinguished panel representing the best of domestic
and international health care policy and practice.
Start Smart is a comprehensive, perinatal program designed to
produce healthier pregnancies and first years of life for members
in Centene's managed care Medicaid plans. It targets pregnant
members and their physicians, with the goals of improving prenatal
care, reducing premature and low birth weight deliveries and
decreasing health care expenditures for sick infants through
intensive interventions that have a high impact in a short period
of time.
"We are proud and honored to receive this prestigious award,"
said Mary Mason, M.D., Centene Chief
Medical Officer and founder of the program. "This international
acknowledgment of the Start Smart program is a testament to the
innovation and dedication Centene prides itself on in improving the
health and well-being of our members."
This most recent recognition comes on the heels of Start Smart
receiving a Silver Medal at the National Health Information Award
2010 for its prenatal education book, "Your Pregnancy Guide," as
well as a Platinum Award for Consumer Empowerment at the URAC
Quality Summit.
"The International Community Health Promotion Award recognizes
innovation in meeting the vital needs of access and treatment for
the underserved," said Alan P.
Spielman, President and CEO of URAC. "These awards honor
organizations whose ideas have made significant contributions to
improving individuals' lives and well being in local communities.
We are honored to help bring these programs to wider
attention."
For more information about the International Health Promotion
Awards, go to http://www.aihpa.org/.
About Centene Corporation
Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, 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.
SOURCE Centene Corporation