NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus continued its partnership with the Family Health Centers at NYU Langone for its Annual Back-to-School Supplies program. The event was held Wednesday, August 30 at Martin Luther Playground, located directly across from NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn.
After successfully distributing school supplies to more than 2,000 children from underserved neighborhoods across Brooklyn last year, NYU Langone and Empire committed to making this year's event even bigger. Empire, along with other community partners, distributed fully stocked backpacks to help children and families prepare for the current school year, which begins this week.
"Empire is more than just a health insurer; we're a part of the community," said Dr. Mark Levy, President, Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus. "We understand our health connects us to each other, and what we all do impacts those around us. That's why we're dedicated to not only providing better care for our members but also contributing to the overall health and wellness of our communities."
In addition to providing school supplies, the event served as a comprehensive health and wellness fair. Attendees benefited from free health services, including assistance with health plan renewals and re-enrollments, blood pressure testing, dental screenings, and nutritional guidance.
“By equipping children with the necessary school supplies and promoting health education, we’re empowering students and their families to thrive in the upcoming school year and beyond,” said Larry K. McReynolds, Executive Director, Family Health Centers at NYU Langone. "Education and health go hand in hand, and we’re grateful for our partners who are committed to making a positive impact in the neighborhoods we serve."
According to a recent study by the Kids in Need Foundation, quality school supplies play a crucial role in student academic achievement. The report states that having proper school supplies drastically improves class preparedness, participation, student self-esteem, and interest in learning. This significant correlation between school supplies and student performance underscores the importance of initiatives like the Annual Back-to-School Supplies program. By ensuring every child has the necessary tools for learning, Empire and NYU are investing in their future, and in turn, the future of the community.
About Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus
Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus (Empire) is the trade name of HealthPlus, LLC, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Serving New Yorkers for over 85 years, Empire BlueCross BlueShield is the largest health insurer in New York supporting more than four million members and more than 38,000 business, union, and small employers in New York. Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice Assurance, Inc., and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice HMO, Inc., independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving residents and businesses in the 28 eastern and southeastern counties of New York State. Additional information about Empire is available at www.empireblue.com.
About The Family Health Centers at NYU Langone
The Family Health Centers at NYU Langone is a community-based program that provides high-quality primary and preventive outpatient care to adults and children regardless of their ability to pay. Founded in 1967, it has grown to become one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Center networks in the nation and operates the largest school health program in New York.
