Amerigroup Florida Fights Childhood Obesity

MIAMI, May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to fight childhood obesity in Miami-Dade County, Amerigroup Community Care of Florida teamed up with the Carrie Meek Foundation this past Saturday, May 5, 2012, to sponsor the seventh annual Hip Hop 4 Health® Fair and Dance Competition.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120509/PH03557 )

Hip Hop 4 Health® targets middle school students and their families who are considered at-risk for unhealthy behaviors. The program focuses on promoting physical activity, cardiovascular health and healthier lifestyles.  This year the event attracted approximately 3,000 energetic individuals, enabling Amerigroup Community Care of Florida to touch more than 25,000 families with the power of hip-hop fitness since the program's inception in 2005.

"Amerigroup Community Care of Florida is proud to support the effort to combat childhood obesity in our local communities," said Bill McHugh, chief executive officer of Amerigroup Community Care of Florida. "The event represents much more than a dance competition for those involved.  We are attempting to make a positive impact on these children and their families so they may live healthier lives in the future."

After months of event planning and preparation, the middle school dancers had the chance to finally get their groove on in the final dance competition where they were judged by local celebrities including Janice Thompson, Miami Heat choreographer; Ana Chacon-Palmason, WPLG talent; and Kalyn James, 1993 Miss Alabama.

"Hip Hop 4 Health® has allowed us to impact the lives of thousands of Miami-Dade county youth and their families," said former Congresswoman Carrie Meek. "By providing quality in-school programming and valuable health information resources, together the Carrie Meek Foundation and Amerigroup Community Care of Florida can truly make a difference."

Amerigroup Community Care of Florida donated $20,000 to this year's festivities for Hip Hop 4 Health®.

About The Carrie Meek Foundation

Former Congresswoman Carrie Meek, a long-time advocate of low-income families, has committed herself and the Foundation that bears her name to the initiation of programs that help the disadvantaged. The Foundation is engaged in affordable housing efforts, economic development, educational development and community health initiatives. 

About Amerigroup Corporation

Amerigroup (NYSE: AGP), a Fortune 500 Company, coordinates services for individuals in publicly funded health care programs. Currently serving approximately 2.2 million members in 12 states nationwide, Amerigroup expects to expand operations in 2012 to Washington, its 13th state, as a result of a previously awarded state contract. Amerigroup is dedicated to offering real solutions that improve health care access and quality for its members, while proactively working to reduce the overall cost of care to taxpayers. Amerigroup accepts all eligible people regardless of age, sex, race or disability. For more information, please visit www.amerigroup.com.

SOURCE Amerigroup Corporation