Gateway Health(SM) honors Dr. King's legacy by presenting Philadelphia homeless seniors with personal care packages
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 500 people in Philadelphia are roaming the streets near Center City at any given time, according to Project HOME.* Another 500 seniors are living in emergency shelters and aging experts expect these numbers to rise as health care and housing costs escalate, leaving displaced seniors with little options.
With the conviction that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, Gateway HealthSM will lead the "Seniors on the Move" care package project at the 20th Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event beginning at 9:00 am, January 19, 2015 at Girard College. The service project will involve preparing 500 care packages to be distributed to seniors who reside in shelters throughout Philadelphia.
Todd Bernstein, president and founder of host organization Global Citizens stated that, "Gateway Health's support enables us to reach out farther and wider into the community to engage those who will hopefully be volunteering throughout the year."
The care packages will consist of a zippered cloth pouch packed with a first aid kit, flashlight and, thanks to donations from the Einstein Health Network and Mercy Health, a tube of tooth paste, tooth brush and hand sanitizer will also be included in the packages. Gateway staff will deliver the care packages to various homeless shelters that have residents who are over 55 and also those that serve disabled adults. Robin Ingram, Director of the Center for Hope, who represents one of the sites to receive the care packages is excited to receive the donation.
"We are very thankful to Gateway Health for their generous donation and making the care packages available to the homeless men and women who live at Center for HOPE," says Ingram. "These basic items are always needed as people move forward from homelessness to independence. Gateway Health has always been a great partner for our organization, with initiatives like this and in making health care accessible to persons in need."
It is expected that this year's event will once again generate a record turnout of support as a projected 135,000 volunteers come together to participate in an array of volunteer opportunities, all of which benefit underserved populations.
For over 20 years, Gateway Health has focused on improving the health of its members and the community by responding to a growing recognition that health is more than just the result of genes, but is also impacted by quality of life issues and access to healthcare.
"We are aware of the health, social and economic issues people in our community face and have strived to develop programs and initiatives to help others," said Patricia Darnley, President and CEO of Gateway Health. "A Better Way" is more than a tag line, it is how Gateway conducts business, what it wants for plan members, providers, and community and policy makers.
About Gateway HealthSM
Gateway Health is a nationally ranked managed care organization that focuses on providing the best possible healthcare to a growing number of Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and Medicare members. Gateway Health serves the needs of at risk and vulnerable citizens, including those facing chronic diseases, and those who are Medicare eligible and low-income. Gateway members have benefited from services such as disease management, health and wellness programs and preventive care. To learn more about Gateway Health, visit us online at www.gatewayhealthplan.com.
*According to Project HOME, it is difficult to calculate the exact number on homelessness due to fluctuating circumstances by individuals, compounded by people who take shelter in rural areas and abandoned homes. The most recent data is available on the Project HOME website.
SOURCE Gateway Health
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