$8k Contribution to Local Non-profits from Amerigroup Washington

The following is a press release contributed by Amerigroup Washington…

The SJI Family Resource Center on Market Street, across from FH Marketplace – SJ Update photo

San Juan County Non Profit Organizations, Amerigroup Washington Help Address Residents’ Health Needs
$8,000 contribution supports innovative programs aimed at helping improve the health of local residents

Everyday countless organizations in San Juan County work to improve the health of our communities and empower residents to live healthier lives. Three organizations…

• Lopez Island Family Resource Center
• Orcas Community Resource Center
• San Juan Island Family Resource Center

…recently received contributions from Amerigroup to support programs that engage local residents and encourage them to take charge of their health.

“We know that keeping our local communities healthy requires a dedicated partnership with key organizations,” said Daryl Edmonds, president, Amerigroup Washington. “We’re pleased to commit support to organizations that offer innovative programs that educate, motivate and encourage San Juan County residents to lead healthier lives.”

Lopez Island Family Resource Center received a $3,000 donation to support their program, Lopez Fresh, which is the organization’s fresh food bank that serves about 200 families in need each year. The nutrition needs of Lopez families have increased as food prices and other costs of living have gone up. Therefore increasing support for this program will help ensure that more families on Lopez Island have nutritious food on their tables. “There are nearly 1,000 people on Lopez whose incomes are too low to cover basic household necessities such as food and housing. The family resource center is able to serve about half of those people with current funding, so grants such as this one from Amerigroup are so important in helping us provide a safety net for more people,” said Barbara Gurley, executive director, Lopez Island Family Resource Center.

Another $3,000 contribution was also made to the San Juan Island Family Resource Center to help support their rural outreach prenatal program, which provides assistance for expectant mothers living in rural communities. “Expectant young families in the islands face logistical challenges and significant travel expenses when they need regular prenatal and delivery services on the mainland,” said Jennifer Armstrong, director, San Juan Island Family Resource Center. “Amerigroup’s support of our Family Resource Center will ensure that we have the funds to help low-income families access regular prenatal care and receive appropriate support services once their baby is born. Getting families off to a good start is the best way we know of ensuring our community’s ongoing health and stability.” Through this program, first-time expectant mothers also receive a “baby bag” containing prenatal and newborn health information.

Orcas Community Resource Center received $2,000, which will also help cover expenses for expecting mothers on Orcas Island who need to travel off the island for prenatal care appointments. These funds will also be used to create care packages for those pregnant women who may not have easy access to proper nutrition. “We are so grateful to have received a grant from Amerigroup to help expectant mothers and their families access important prenatal appointments and encourage them to make healthy choices,” said Erin O’Dell, executive director, Orcas Community Resource Center.

These organizations share Amerigroup Washington’s vision and that of its philanthropic arm, Amerigroup Foundation, whose goal is to create a healthier future for generations of Americans.

About Amerigroup Washington
Amerigroup Washington helps improve health care access and quality for approximately 140,000 low-income Medicaid 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.

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