Making a Difference: Amerigroup Promotes Culture of Caring

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Dec. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2011, Amerigroup (NYSE: AGP) and its associates have answered a call to action: Be the solution.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111222/PH26958)

More than 560 employees participated in the Amerigroup Community Volunteers program, devoting 20,000 hours of service to 669 organizations.  The volunteer efforts have positively impacted organizations such as the American Red Cross, the March of Dimes, Saint Mary's Home for Disabled Children, the United Way, the Make a Wish Foundation and the Salvation Army, to name a few.

"It was so fulfilling to be able to help someone in need," remarked Amerigroup associate Vivian Trice after volunteering at the annual Toys for Tots drive in Virginia Beach. "It sparked the desire in me to want to do more in the coming months to ensure that I am being the best neighbor, friend and American that I can be."

The Amerigroup Foundation offers employees a matching gift program and the Dollars for Doers program.  In the Dollars for Doers Program, non-profit organizations to which employees donate 20-50 hours of their time annually will receive a cash donation from the Foundation.

"At Amerigroup, we do well by doing good. Our associates are deeply committed to making a difference in their communities and I couldn't be more proud of the contributions our team has made in 2011," said James G. Carlson, chief executive officer for Amerigroup.  "We provide assistance to our neighbors in need, which makes a difference in their lives and, in the process, enriches ours."

In addition to the Amerigroup volunteer efforts, the Amerigroup Foundation provided almost 450 grants totaling more than $2.1 million to more than 350 different local non-profit community organizations in 2011, including:

• $120,000 to help improve housing, employment and recreation for people with disabilities
•  $150,000 in support of the delivery of healthcare services to uninsured Virginians at the Remote Area Medical (RAM) Health Expedition in Wise County, Va.
• $175,000 to Habitat for Humanity
• $187,000 to promote timely flu shots
• $750,000 to improve health outcomes and access to quality care for underserved communities

To see our Amerigroup Community Volunteers in action, please visit our YouTube channel.

About Amerigroup Volunteerism

The Amerigroup Community Volunteers program is a reflection of our belief that real solutions begin when we put our passion and care to work, one person at a time.  The program was created to recognize and support the valuable contributions our associates are making in communities across the country and to inspire others to volunteer.  

About the Amerigroup Foundation

The Amerigroup Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Amerigroup Corporation (NYSE: AGP), 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, please visit www.amerigroup.com/foundation.   

SOURCE Amerigroup