Amerigroup, a wholly owned subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc., announced its Louisiana health plan contributed $25,000 to support Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO) Head Start program, supporting all five Head Start sites throughout the New Orleans community.

"We are proud to provide continued support over the past two years to such a worthwhile organization," said George Bucher, Amerigroup Louisiana president. "Positively impacting a child's life at an early age helps to increase the chances the child will live a healthier life and has a brighter future."

Head Start is a federal program that provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition and parent involvement services to all low-income children--infants, toddlers, and preschoolers--and their families. Families who qualify for Head Start earn less than 130% of the federal poverty level.

"Catholic Charities Head Start is blessed to have the commitment and support of Amerigroup Louisiana, whose mission and values align well with ours," said Sister Marjorie Hebert, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans president and chief executive officer. "The generous donation will help highlight the value and importance of children's health to their success in school and in life."

The grant will help support nearly 500 children and their families in the following ways:

  • Immunizations
  • Well-child visits
  • Childhood obesity prevention, healthy eating, and nutritional education
  • Pre- and post-natal check-ups

"I have two children who attend Head Start, and if it had not been for this program, I don't know how I would have been able to further my education or work a part-time job in today's world," said Olivia Johnson, Head Start parent. "Most single mothers do not have the help we need. At Head Start, my kids are getting love, not just at home, but at school, and they are learning and playing with other kids and I am grateful they are being taken care of."

For more than 40 years, CCANO has provided thousands of local children a foundation to launch bright futures through Head Start programs. CCANO's Head Start and Early Head Start Centers strive to accomplish the following:

  • All children should reach their full potential
  • Every child can succeed
  • We can impact the success of at-risk children
  • Quality early education fundamentally transforms children and families

About Amerigroup Louisiana

Amerigroup Louisiana began serving members on Feb. 1, 2012. We currently serve 129,000 members through Medicaid, Louisiana Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Supplemental Security Income/Aged, Blind and Disabled (SSI/ABD) programs. We are committed to working together to make consummate choices concerning members' health and are fortunate to call these combined efforts our work.

About Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans provides hope, help and loving care for the most vulnerable and needy in the eight civil parishes of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. We work to be the hands and heart of Jesus Christ for our brothers and sisters in need. Through our ministries, programs and community partnerships, we provide a comprehensive network of social services that connects clients to resources and acts as a springboard to self-sufficiency for those struggling. We offer support that empowers individuals, families and communities to grow and thrive. Our Mission: Respecting the dignity and potential of each human person, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans collaborates with the wider community to serve those in need. Impelled by the love and teaching of Jesus Christ, we offer life-giving programs, advocate for the voiceless, and empower the poor and vulnerable to foster a more just society. www.ccano.org

NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS:
WellPoint, Inc.
Maureen C. McDonnell, (757) 473-2731
Vice President, External Communications
Government Business Division
maureen.mcdonnell@amerigroup.com
or
WellPoint, Inc.
Finley Hines, (757) 955-8831
Public Relations Specialist
Government Business Division
finley.hines@amerigroup.com