International Health Insurance Companies Set Record in Charity Donations

Posted on Feb 02, 2013 by Sergio Ulloa (G+)

Health insurance companies were busy last year in regard to charity donations in recent months. One company in particular hit a record high amount and in 2012, William Russell raised more than USD $15,750 for Woking Hospice in a goal that saw involvement from directors, staff and clients. This impressive amount is much more than what has been recorded in years previous, even doubling the amount raised in 2011. William Russell was able to reach this amount from various fundraising activities, which included incorporating dress down days, raffles and sweepstakes. The insurance giant's customers also played a crucial role in adding to the total through an innovative scheme whereby clients could opt for a paper membership card rather than a plastic one, enabling the company to donate USD $5 to charity. Hundreds of customers chose the paper option, which resulted in a substantial contribution to the total fundraising amount. Directors were generous enough to match the initial amount raised, doubling the grand total to more than USD $15,750. Woking Hospice provides palliative care and support for patients and families living in central Surrey. These hospices work to improve the lives of people who are terminally ill so that they can lead active, full lives. The hospice also provides support to families and close friends, both during illness and in bereavement. "This is an impressive achievement. The money raised will help support the vital work done by Woking Hospices in supporting patients and their families. We look forward to trying to better this amount during 2013," said Inez Cooper from William Russell. In addition to record-breaking donations, other companies are also showing their care, concern and commitment to charity causes. The Cigna Foundation, which operates under Cigna Corporation - one of the world's largest health insurance providers, gave a USD $5,000 grant to the East Valley Adult Resource's Meals While You Heal program. This program provides care for senior citizens who have been recently discharged from the hospital and delivers meals to their homes. The substantial grant means that there will be 625 more meals and 50 people will be able to be added to the program. "We are proud of our recent contribution that will help provide good nutrition to seniors in our community who are recovering from a stay at the hospital," said Kristi Thomason, vice president of health plan operations for Cigna Medicare Select. "The remarkable services East Valley Adult Resources provides for the community fall right in line with Cigna's mission to support members of the community in which we live and serve." "East Valley Adult Resources is very appreciative of the donation from the Cigna Foundation supporting Meals While You Heal," said Dan Taylor, CEO of East Valley Adult Resources. "This service provides emergency meals to seniors recently discharged from the hospital. This critical service reduces readmission rates and provides support for the recipient to recover faster." Along with providing funds and resources to the Meals While you Heal program, Cigna is also instituting other local initiatives for its Phoenix Medicare customers. Cigna Medical Group (CMG), the group practice division of Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, has launched the CustomCare After the Hospital program. Under this program, Cinga offers a team of health care providers to patients that have been recently discharged from the hospital to help ease patients' transition and ensure a healthy recovery. "We continue to innovate better ways of caring for our patients, particularly as their needs become more complex over time," said Edward Kim, president and general manager of Cigna Medical Group. "One of the challenges of transitioning back to the home is healthy eating. Meals While You Heal is invaluable in helping patients meet nutritional requirements while they get back on their feet." Cigna has also partnered for the third year in a row with the Arizona Cardinals, an American Football team, and offered at $10,000 donation to the Cardinals Charities "Kick for Kids" program, this year benefiting Phoenix Children's Hospital. Under the program, Cigna will make a contribution to Cardinals Charities for every field goal the team makes for a total of up to $10,000. "We are proud to be a part of the "Kick for Kids" program and to help promote the health and well-being of children in Phoenix," said Stephanie Gorman, president and general manager for Cigna in Arizona.   "Phoenix Children's Hospital provides quality medical services to our customers and to members of the community and we share a common goal of helping all of our kids to grow up healthy and strong." This recent grant from the Cigna Foundation and the company's more localized giving is part of a larger commitment that Cigna has made to the communities in which the company serves its customers. In the autumn of 2012, Phoenix employees raised a record-breaking $40,000 and 4,000 pounds of non-perishable food items for their annual food drive benefiting St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance. During the last five years, Cigna has given back nearly $500,000 to charities in the Phoenix market.