Horizon NJ Health CMO to Address Newark Health Disparities at Faith-Based Leaders Event in City Hall

(February 10, 2005 — West Trenton, NJ) — Addressing the high rate of health disparities in the Newark area by utilizing community and faith-based organizations as resources, Dr. Philip M. Bonaparte, Chief Medical Officer for Horizon NJ Health, will be the Keynote speaker at the Faith-Based Leaders Luncheon on February 15, 2005, in Newark City Hall. The event, presented by the Faith-Based Wellness Subcommittee and Councilwoman Mamie Bridgeforth (West Ward), will take place in Council Chambers at City Hall from 11:30 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15, 2005. The committee anticipates at least one hundred and fifty community leaders and guests.

As Chief Medical Officer for Horizon NJ Health, the state's largest managed health care company serving the publicly insured in all 21 counties, Dr. Bonaparte is a Board-Certified physician in internal medicine. He hosts his own radio program on health matters on WIMG and is an ordained bishop and a recognized leader who offers solutions for overcoming health disparities, including the importance of faith and healing.

Dr. Bonaparte will discuss data about the increasing gap in health care for racial and ethnic minorities from a January 2005 report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "This CDC data confirms what we know to be true, that unfortunate disparities in health care continue to exist in minority populations," he commented. "The CDC report demonstrates that a lack of effective intervention methods and resources explains the increased death and avoidable disease rates between white and black populations."

"Education is key," Dr. Bonaparte commented. "Considering that racial disparities still persist in health care, even today, a community-oriented approach with partners, such as faith-based and community leaders, can be an effective strategy. Education and awareness can be positive influences for expanding access and enhancing the delivery of care. This event on February 15th will be a great start in bringing community leaders and resources together to combat this problem."

The Newark Faith-Based Wellness Subcommittee was created to promote healthy communities by linking partnerships among faith leaders and corporate partners, as well as health care and social services providers.

Horizon NJ Health is New Jersey's largest managed health care organization serving the publicly insured, providing health services to 276,000 people in all 21 New Jersey counties. Headquartered in West Trenton, NJ, Horizon NJ Health is a subsidiary of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ).

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, with headquarters in Newark, is New Jersey's largest health insurer, providing coverage to more than 3.1 million people. Horizon BCBSNJ's Web site is located at www.horizonblue.com. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.