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Press Release: 2011

Select Health Gives More Than $42k in Health Supplies

Crisis Ministries and East Cooper Community Outreach benefit from donation

Finding access to food, shelter and healthcare is often a struggle for the homeless. Personal health suffers and frequently declines when basic needs are lacking. Fortunately, the work of Crisis Ministries and East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) helps ease the burden for those in need by providing assistance in the form of meals, shelter and free healthcare clinics. This work, combined with a compassion for the poor, is why Select Health of South Carolina chose to donate over $42,000 worth of personal care items and health supplies to Crisis Ministries and ECCO.

The health supplies included multi-vitamins, ibuprofen, prenatal vitamins, toothbrushes, allergy medication, alcohol swabs and cough medicine. 

"As a mission-driven organization, we have a strong commitment to our community and a special concern for those in need," said Cindy Helling, executive director of Select Health. "We are happy to know these supplies will help Crisis Ministries and ECCO continue to serve the less fortunate in our own backyard."

Crisis Ministries operates a free health clinic staffed by a full-time registered nurse Monday through Friday. Two years ago, Crisis Ministries implemented a physician volunteer program. The program has attracted volunteers from various medical specialties, building a network for referrals and improving access to care for Crisis Ministries' guests.  

"The personal care items donated by Select Health come at a critical time," said Stacey Denaux, chief executive officer of Crisis Ministries. "During the hot summer months, visits to the clinic increase and resources are stretched. With this donation, we save money and homeless men and women receive these much-needed items."

ECCO has established partnerships throughout the Lowcountry to give assistance to individuals in need. Some of ECCO's ongoing services include medical, dental, prescription drug assistance, education and counseling.

"We really appreciate the donation from Select Health," said Jack Little, executive director of ECCO.  "When my children were babies, basic items like diaper rash cream and infant vitamins were very expensive. ECCO works to support single mothers as they break through generational poverty, and these supplies are going to go a long way in helping them prevent illness and care for their children."

ABOUT SELECT HEALTH
Incorporated in 1995, Select Health was licensed as a Health Maintenance Organization by the South Carolina Department of Insurance in 1996. Later that year, the company contracted with the Department of Health and Human Services to offer First Choice, the state’s first Medicaid health plan. Select Health operates South Carolina's largest Medicaid health plan and is a wholly owned subsidiary of AmeriHealth Mercy. The AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies serves three million members nationwide. Select Health has more than 220 dedicated associates working throughout South Carolina. For more information, visit www.selecthealthofsc.com.