[February 28, 2017]

Amerigroup Foundation Tackles Some of Washington's Most Complex Health Needs

The Amerigroup Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Amerigroup Washington, works with organizations throughout Washington to improve the health of our communities. Through its focus on colorectal cancer screenings, diabetes prevention, physical activity and wellness for youth, the Foundation is partnering with organizations that are setting the standard when it comes to innovative programs, which offer long-term solutions.

In Washington, the Foundation provided nearly $530,000 in grants. Additionally, during 2016, Amerigroup Washington sponsored nearly $100,000 in programs in the state.

Beyond the impact the company and Foundation are making in Washington, Amerigroup associates donated more than 300 volunteer hours to benefit countless nonprofits in communities across the state, directing more than approximate $2,000 through the company-sponsored "Dollars for Doers" program. Also, during the year-round associate giving program, supported by a Foundation match, Washington associates raised $8,000 for local charities.

"We know that keeping our local communities healthy requires a dedicated partnership with key organizations so that residents are able to thrive, grow and prosper," said Daryl Edmonds, president of Amerigroup Washington. "Through sponsorships, grants, volunteerism and charitable donations, Amerigroup Washington, its Foundation and associates committed more than $640,000 to organizations that offer innovative programs that educate, motivate and encourage Washington's residents to lead healthier lives."

A quick look at some of this year's highlights illustrates how these non-profits are helping to reduce health disparities and empower local community residents to take control of their health:

• Through the Foundation's support of Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Triple Play (News - Alert) and T.R.A.I.L. (Together Raising Awareness for Indian Life) Diabetes programs. Amerigroup engaged 250 youth in healthy, active lifestyles through local Triple Play Club grants to local Clubs, and provided Snohomish Count youth with a comprehensive understanding of healthy lifestyles, with the long-term goal of preventing and reducing the onset of type 2 diabetes in American Indian and Alaska Native youth ages 7 to 11.
• Through a grant to the National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Council, we provided three Washington schools, reaching nearly 2,000 students, a brand new "Don't Quit!" Fitness Center this year for their efforts in demonstrating innovative ways of introducing physical activity and wellness into their curriculum.
• In an effort to battle colorectal cancer, together with the American Cancer Society, and through FQHC partner, Community Health Association of Spokane, we provided more than 300 colorectal cancer screenings and 2,000 interventions among low-income, diverse individuals in Washington.
• For more information, see Amerigroup's annual online Corporate Responsibility Report, which outlines the company's commitment to making a difference in people's lives through the work of its associates, the philanthropic efforts of the Amerigroup Foundation, its diversity and inclusion initiatives and its environmentally responsible business practices.

The Amerigroup Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Amerigroup, a wholly owned subsidiary of Anthem, Inc. Together, with local, regional and national organizations, the Amerigroup Foundation works to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families in communities that Amerigroup and its affiliated health plans serve. Amerigroup Foundation funding is focused on strategic initiatives working to address and provide innovative solutions to health care challenges, as well as promoting the Healthy Generations Program, a multi-generational initiative with five areas of focus: Healthy Heart, Cancer Prevention, Healthy Maternal Practices, Type 2 Diabetes Prevention, and Healthy Active Lifestyle. These disease states and medical conditions include: prenatal care in the first trimester, low birth weight babies, cardiac morbidity rates, long term activities that decrease obesity and increase physical activity, diabetes prevalence in adult populations, adult pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations and smoking cessation. The Foundation also coordinates the company's year-round Associate Giving program which provides a 50 percent match of associates' campaign pledges, as well as its Volunteer Time Off and Dollars for Doers community service programs. To learn more about the Amerigroup Foundation, please visit www.anthem.foundation.

About Amerigroup Washington

Amerigroup Washington helps improve health care access and quality for approximately 140,000 Washington citizens by developing innovative care management programs and services. Members are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Amerigroup Washington provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage members to become active participants in their health care. Through health education programs, members are empowered to choose and sustain a healthy lifestyle.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170228005445/en/

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