Amerigroup Foundation Honors Texas Sen. Judith Zaffirini as a 'Champion for Children'

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., May 11, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Amerigroup Foundation today presented its "Champion for Children" award to Sen. Judith Zaffirini of Laredo, Texas, for her outstanding leadership in the Texas Senate on issues of importance to children -- ranging from education to health care.

The "Champion for Children" award is part of a national program by the Amerigroup Foundation to recognize outstanding public advocacy efforts by government and community leaders to improve the health and well-being of children in Texas and across the nation.

Sen. Zaffirini donated the $2,500 award to the Children's Advocacy Center of Laredo-Webb County, which works with law enforcement officials and local families in the prevention of child abuse.

"Sen. Zaffirini's successful advocacy on behalf of children in Texas is an inspiration to leaders across the State," Chairman of the Amerigroup Foundation John E. Littel said. "We salute her for accomplishments that advance our shared goals of creating healthy communities, starting with children."

Sylvia Bruni, executive director of the center, said Sen. Zaffirini's strong voice for children helps in numerous ways, including making families stronger.

"Her donation of this award to the Children's Advocacy Center is but one glowing example of her uniquely personal advocacy for children," Bruni said. "We admire and respect her as a true champion of Texas children."

Some of Sen. Zaffirini's accomplishments on behalf of children include:

• Championing immunizations for school-aged children by creating the immunization registry
• Streamlining the Medicaid application process and facilitating continuous medical assistance eligibility for children transitioning from Medicaid to the Children's Health Insurance Program or to private insurers
• Securing more than $48 million to establish the Medicaid buy-in program for children with significant health concerns
• Advocating for children's Medicaid and continuing as the primary advocate for 12-month continuous Medicaid eligibility to increase a child's connection to a provider and make it more likely that parents will obtain early preventive services
• Supporting programs that ensure hungry or obese children have access to nutritious food.

"My priorities in the Texas Legislature include fighting to expand opportunities for our children. That begins with making sure families have access to quality, affordable health care," Sen. Zaffirini said. "I appreciate the Amerigroup Foundation's commitment to creating healthy communities and their gift in my name to the Children's Advocacy Center."  

About the Amerigroup Foundation

The Amerigroup Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Amerigroup Corporation, a multi-state managed health care company based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Foundation works to create healthy communities by fostering access to health care, encouraging safe and healthy children and families, and promoting community improvement and healthy neighborhoods. For more information about the Amerigroup Foundation, visit www.amerigroupcorp.com/foundation.

For more information about the Children's Advocacy Center of Laredo-Webb County, visit www.caclaredo.org.

SOURCE Amerigroup Foundation