WellCare Donates $10,000 to Southeastern Guide Dogs to Support Those with Visual Impairments and Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
TAMPA, Fla., April 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) announced today it has donated $10,000 to Southeastern Guide Dogs to support efforts to train guide dogs and service dogs for people living with significant challenges, including individuals with visual impairments and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.
All of Southeastern Guide Dogs' services—which include selective breeding and expert dog training, comprehensive on-campus student instruction and lifetime graduate follow-up—are provided at no cost to recipients. The organization also has the distinction of being dually accredited by the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International.
On April 1, 20 WellCare associates volunteered at the Southeastern Guide Dogs Tampa Walkathon at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park in Tampa. Volunteers helped with registration, clicker counters, water stations and other race logistics, while event participants enjoyed a 3K walk, music, local vendors and other family-friendly activities.
"We're extremely grateful to WellCare for their partnership and support," said Titus Herman, CEO of Southeastern Guide Dogs. "WellCare's generous donation helps to raise and train puppies that reach their destiny of service and companionship and provides guide dogs, service dogs and facility therapy dogs at no cost to the visually impaired and to our veterans."
"WellCare is committed to serving our communities and partnering with organizations like Southeastern Guide Dogs, which are vital to supporting the health and well-being of our members, their families and the communities we serve," said Rhonda Mims, WellCare's senior vice president and chief public affairs officer. "We're proud to partner with Southeastern Guide Dogs and are honored to help restore independence and hope to those impacted by visual impairments and disabilities."
About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing government-sponsored managed care services, primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs. The company served approximately 3.9 million members nationwide as of Dec. 31, 2016. For more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website at www.wellcare.com.
About Southeastern Guide Dogs
Southeastern Guide Dogs transforms lives by creating and nurturing extraordinary partnerships between people and dogs. Employing the latest in canine development and behavior research, the national organization trains guide dogs, service dogs and companion dogs for people living with significant challenges including those with visual impairments and veterans with disabilities.
All of Southeastern Guide Dogs' services – which include selective breeding and expert dog training; comprehensive on-campus student instruction; and lifetime graduate follow-up – are provided at no cost to the recipients. The charity relies 100% on private donations and receives no government funding. Southeastern Guide Dogs has the distinction of being dually accredited by the two premier, global accreditation bodies: the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International. www.GuideDogs.org
SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
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