Centene Sponsors 2015 National Council Of La Raza Conference, Hosts Series Of Health Events

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Jul 10, 2015, 08:00 ET

ST. LOUIS, July 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that it is a Platinum Level Sponsor for the National Council of La Raza Annual Conference, to be held July 11-14 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri. As part of its participation and sponsorship in this conference, Centene and its subsidiaries will host a series of health events including a health town hall and an anti-bullying workshop for youth, and will also provide free vision and dental screenings during the conference.

The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) is the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States. The organization works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. NCLR reaches millions of Hispanics each year in 41 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia by conducting applied research, policy analysis, and advocacy.

"The National Council of La Raza is an incredible organization with a mission and values that align with Centene's purpose of transforming the health of the community, one person at a time," said Michael F. Neidorff, Chairman, President and CEO of Centene Corporation. "Centene's sponsorship and participation in this event is part of our continued dedication to ensure individuals of all backgrounds and socio-economic statuses have access to quality, affordable healthcare. We are privileged to be a part of this national conference."

On July 13, Centene's behavioral health subsidiary, Cenpatico, will host a Youth Workshop focused on the topic of bullying. Darrell Green, NFL Hall of Famer, will team up with Cenpatico as a special guest speaker for the workshop with an estimated 100 youth ages 12-18.

"Cenpatico is pleased to partner with Darrell Green for the anti-bullying youth workshop," said Dr. Mike McKinney, President and CEO of Cenpatico. "As a behavioral health company, we strongly believe in educating and empowering individuals to live healthier lives."

In addition, Centene and its subsidiaries Home State Health, Sunflower Health Plan, Cenpatico, Dental Health and Wellness, and OptiCare Managed Vision will host a series of events to address health and social barriers that impact the Hispanic community throughout the United States.

The full list of Centene- and subsidiary-hosted events at the Conference and Expo includes:

A "Path to Health and Wellness": Presentations, massage stations, educational materials, healthy cooking demonstrations with Goya Foods, a caricature artist, and raffle prizes all at the Centene booth. Goya Foods will present cultural cooking demos, MyPlate recipes, and nutrition health workshops on how cultural foods help with eye health, weight loss, diabetes, blood pressure and more. Goya will also offer free samples of GOYA® foods, a free GOYA® gift bag of products to make a GOYA® MyPlate recipe, GOYA® MyPlate recipe books and more.
NFL Hall of Famer Darrell Green will make appearances to engage audiences as he speaks about health, wellness and the impact of bullying.
OptiCare will conduct vision screenings for adults and children. They will also provide exams for youth 18 and under who do not pass the initial screening. OptiCare will offer free prescription eyewear for children in need of glasses and give away free reading glasses for adults. Last year at the NCLR conference, OptiCare distributed over 1,000 reading and 60 prescription glasses.
Dental Health and Wellness, in partnership with Colgate-Palmolive Company and Nevin K. Waters DDS, will offer dental screenings for adults and children. Colgate's Bright Smiles, Bright Futures dental van program will provide free education, screenings and treatment referrals to children up to 12 years old. Nevin K. Waters DDS will provide exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants for attendees 18 and under on the Big Smiles mobile unit. Attendees can also "Ask the Dentist" on their questions related to oral health.

Centene will host a reception honoring health leaders on July 12. At the reception, Centene will recognize a health award recipient with a grant.

"Centene, along with Home State Health and Sunflower Health, are proud to host the NCLR conference in our backyard," said Rob Hitchcock, Executive Vice President of Health Plans for Centene. "We believe healthier individuals create more vibrant families and communities. We look forward to educating individuals on their health at this conference."

About Centene Corporation
Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a diversified, multi-national healthcare enterprise that provides a portfolio of services to government-sponsored healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals. Many receive benefits provided under Medicaid, including the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), Foster Care and Long Term Care (LTC), in addition to other state-sponsored/hybrid programs and Medicare (Special Needs Plans). The Company operates local health plans and offers a range of health insurance solutions. It also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health management, care management software, correctional healthcare services, dental benefits management, in-home health services, life and health management, managed vision, pharmacy benefits management, specialty pharmacy and telehealth services.

About Home State Health
Home State Health is a Medicaid private health plan contracted to provide services under the Missouri Department of Social Services MO HealthNet managed care program. Home State Health, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, was formed in partnership with Missouri Primary Care Association (MPCA) and participating Community Health Centers.

Home State Health provides services to nearly 85,000 children and families across Missouri and is dedicated to transforming the health of the communities in which we live, work and serve through improved access to quality Healthcare and whole-person care coordination and support services. Through collaboration with local advocate groups, Home State Health develops innovative solutions that are designed to eliminate barriers that affect quality Healthcare and individuals' well-being for members. Information regarding Home State Health is available at www.HomeStateHealth.com.

About Sunflower Health Plan
Sunflower Health Plan, a subsidiary of Centene, is a managed care organization established to deliver quality healthcare in the state of Kansas through local, regional and community-based resources. Sunflower is committed to improving the health of its beneficiaries through focused, compassionate and coordinated care in an approach based on the core belief that quality healthcare is best delivered locally. For more information, please visit www.sunflowerhealthplan.com.

About Cenpatico
Cenpatico's expertise lies in managing benefits for vulnerable populations. Our healthcare specialties include behavioral health, foster care, school-based services, specialty therapy and rehabilitation and more. We have managed Medicaid and other public sector benefits since 1994; currently, we serve nearly 3 million members nationally. Our headquarters are in Austin, Texas and we have local teams across the country in the markets we serve. Cenpatico is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation. We are committed to innovative solutions and designing programs tailored to improving functional outcomes with our members. Connect with Cenpatico at www.cenpatico.com

About Dental Health & Wellness
Established to deliver quality dental healthcare, Dental Health & Wellness is a dental benefits manager committed to improving the oral health of the community one smile at a time which leads to improved overall health of individuals. We draw on local and national experience through our parent company, Centene, and its locally operated health plans.

Dental Health & Wellness' innovative member education and outreach programs, personal attention and provider support create a comprehensive dental care system that reduces administrative burden for providers and offers high quality dental services for our members.

About OptiCare
OptiCare has over 30 years of experience providing comprehensive and affordable eye care services. We serve over 5 million members across the country with our panel of over 20,000 eye care providers. From our innovative HEDIS services that help clients effectively manage clinical risk and gain control of high-cost diseases, to our quality eyewear delivery, OptiCare puts the "care" back in your eye care program. Founded by eye care professionals, OptiCare has become a nationally respected provider of fully integrated, risk based eye care programs and premiere eye care plan administrator.

SOURCE Centene Corporation