Horizon NJ Heath Donates Computers to Community Groups

(West Trenton, NJ — October 18, 2005) — Horizon NJ Health, New Jersey's largest managed health care company serving the publicly insured, is donating more than 100 computers to charitable and community organizations whose outreach and youth programs can benefit from the equipment. Locally, 25 computers have been donated to St. John's Baptist Church in Ewing for use in the daily operations of the church and also for the young people who attend the church's summer camp classes that include computer training. Further south, in Mount Holly, several computers have been delivered to the Burlington County Big Brothers and Big Sisters program. The remaining 80 computers, which will be refurbished and upgraded, are targeted for the Jersey Shore Council of Boy Scouts in Toms River, NJ.

"This is wonderful news," commented Christin Holloway, President and CEO of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Mount Holly, "and we can now offer these computers to our participating families who have expressed a need. Normally, most of these families would not be able to afford a computer for their child. We appreciate this gift."

"These computers will be powerful tools in the hands of young people and other community members," commented Karen L. Clark, President and Chief Operating Officer for Horizon NJ Health. "They can aid in skill building, learning opportunities and preparation for college and jobs. Although Horizon NJ Health is focused on access to quality health care, we are concerned about the overall quality of life in our communities. We hope that this donation will help enhance skills and open opportunities for those who use these computers."

"Some of the donated computers will be used for parts to refurbish the best working equipment, so that these computers operate even better than before, " commented Tyrone Shiu, Horizon NJ Health Director of Information Technology. "We wanted to make certain that the equipment we donate is ready for use, so we have taken the time to replace parts and we test each computer before delivering them. We want these kids to have a great experience when they turn on the system."

Heather Boyle, Client Support Analyst, who is coordinating the computer donation project, explained, "As we upgrade our systems at Horizon NJ Health, we are planning to donate more computers to community, faith-based and other groups who have a need."

Horizon NJ Health is New Jersey's largest managed health care organization serving the publicly insured, providing health services to close to 280,000 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 NJ Health's Web site is located at www.horizonNJhealth.com.

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ), 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 Blue Shield Association.