March 18, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Daphne Colangelo or Carol Chernack
Horizon/Mercy
609-538-0700 exts. 5153 and 5290

Horizon/Mercy Sponsors Third Annual Fatherhood Conference
Dr. Philip M. Bonaparte, CMO, to Speak

TRENTON, N.J., March 18, 2003 -

For the third year in a row, as a result of a continuing and successful community partnership with the Union Industrial Home for Children, Horizon/Mercy, New Jersey's largest managed health care organization serving the publicly insured, is the main sponsor for "The Third Annual Fatherhood Conference: A Presentation of Relevant Issues." Dr. Philip M. Bonaparte, Horizon/Mercy's Chief Medical Officer, and a recognized advocate for eliminating disparities in health care, will present a workshop on "Men's Physical and Emotional Health." Hosted by the Union Industrial Home for Children, the Fatherhood Conference will be held on March 18, 2003 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center, East Windsor, NJ. Additional sponsors for the event include Children's Futures in Trenton and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia.

Many presenters will share methodologies and strategies for assuring father-friendly approaches in program design, implementation and evaluation. Workshops and presentations include information on sociological factors of fathers in the inner city, the latest research and policy trends, regional approaches to fatherhood issues and men's physical and emotional health.

Among the presenters are: Martin Dannenfelser, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs in the Administration for Children and Families; Dr. Elijah Anderson, The Charles and William L. Day Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania; Dr. Ronald Mincy, The Maurice V. Russell Professor of Social Policy and Social Work Practice at Columbia University; Dr. Philip Bonaparte, Chief Medical Officer for Horizon/Mercy; and Alisha Griffin, Director of the New Jersey Office of Child Support.

In the past, participants who attended included social workers, teachers, parents, researchers, community representatives and social service professionals from the Mid-Atlantic region. The $60.00 registration fee covers the costs of breakfast, workshops, lunch and CEU credits.

Horizon/Mercy is New Jersey's largest managed health care organization serving the publicly insured, providing health services to more than 270,000 people in all 21 New Jersey counties. Horizon/Mercy was awarded Health Plan full accreditation in 2002 by URAC, also known as the American Health Care Commission. Horizon/Mercy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, has its headquarters in West Trenton, NJ.