NJBIA Salutes New Jersey's Finest Awards for Excellence: Public Service Award - Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

New Jersey Business, Oct 01, 2004

President and CEO: William J. Marino

NJ Headquarters: Newark

Founded: 1934

NJ Employees: 4,600

Business: Finance, Insurance, Real Estate

In 2002, a study analyzing some of the issues that impact the health insurance business found an alarming illiteracy rate in New Jersey. People who are unable to read are not capable of obtaining or comprehending medical information necessary to make informed decisions about their health care.

In response to that alarming finding, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey started the Health Literacy program to help improve the reading skills of New Jersey's elememary school children while educating them on health-related topics. In the program, academically successful high school students serve as mentors to children between the ages of 6 and 11.

The program was held at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark and was later expanded to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Atlantic City. In addition to improving literacy skills, the high school students benefited from job training, employment and educational opportunities.

The after-school program has been very well received by the community and outpaced the program's capacity. Horizon provided additional funding and, with the help of individuals and local corporate partners, led to the renovation of a new resource room.