EAGAN, Minn., Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty unsung health heroes from throughout the state are being honored this year as 2004 Champions of Health (COH), sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross), for making a healthy difference in their communities and worksites. The winners have been or will be honored throughout the year with special Prize Patrol celebrations in their communities, including a $500 award for the health charity of their choice.
In its fifth year, Champions of Health is an annual Blue Cross program that recognizes Minnesota individuals and organizations who make a healthy difference. Champions of Health continues to celebrate those who raise awareness, educate and motivate people about the importance of working together for the health of the community and/or worksite. Serving as a role model for healthy behavior, raising funds for a health-related cause or any affirmative action to encourage a healthy community are a few examples.
A panel of health experts and community leaders from throughout Minnesota chose this year’s champions, who were nominated by their own community members. The winners will be recognized both in their community and at a statewide celebration on March 5.
“These heroes change lives by making their communities healthier places to live. Blue Cross is proud to highlight their efforts and encourages others to get involved,” said Mark Banks, M.D., President and CEO of Blue Cross. The 2004 Champions of Health, listed by their communities, are:
Bemidji Richard Chernugal Credited with forming the MedSave Family Medical Center, a preventative health care program, and health outreach initiatives within the community. Bemidji Rachel Scott Provides support and coping skills to members of the Alzheimer’s Association who endure the rigors of giving care. Through her volunteer work she guides members through difficult decisions. Burnsville Reverend Elizabeth Fosters a new sense of meaning, “BJ” Larson purpose and hope to participants of a seven-week series for youth and adults at Minnesota Valley Youth Grief Services. Como Park Caryn Faith Erickson Coordinates more than 90 volunteers to help provide in-home services to elders. Also facilitates an exercise program and support group for elder community residents. Coon Rapids Deborah Jacobi An avid advocate for those in need of dental care. Among the leaders who established Minnesota Association for Community Dentistry and Dept. of Human Service’s Dental Access Advisory Board Crystal Mary Bakke Survivor of colorectal cancer and creator of Advocates for Colorectal Education’s Buddy Bracelet, a bracelet that can be worn until a person gets screened, after which they pass it along to another. Duluth Superior Health Meeting needs of community members Medical Group by providing a Patient Advisory Committee (PAC) and virtually eliminating waiting time to see a physician or to see pathology results. Minneapolis Jeaneth Brubakken Latino families are improving their Patricia Chavez dental health with the help of these Roxanna Macias native Spanish speaking Dental Health Educators. They help families obtain proper dental health and provide dental education. Evangelical Lutheran The Board created a health and Church in wellness culture at its workplace America (ELCA) under the motto “Healthy Leaders Board of Enhance Lives.” They have a Pensions Health and Wellness Team that organizes healthy activities and promotions. Jill Ann Marks She created the Jami Alanna Marks Tikkum Olam Fund to work to end ignorance, shame and stigma of brain disorders and to help prevent suicide. She is involved in many suicide prevention causes. Mary Ann Schoenberger As director of the Southwest Senior Center, she provided innovative programs to promote wellness and to encourage physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual exercise among seniors. She helps over 700 elders live independently with dignity and purpose. Rothsay PARTNERS (People It is a volunteer-based community Around Rothsay That program that provides healthy Need Extra Routine services and needed support to Services) elders and families. Also, it is one of the few remaining health programs to deliver groceries to those with no transportation. St. Joseph Brenny Transportation This business provides opportunities for employees to grow in their mental, physical and spiritual health by providing free flu shots, inspirational reading and exercise sessions throughout the workday. St. Louis Park Angela Jerabek She designed the Building Assets Reducing Risks program to help ninth graders make a smooth transition into high school. The program has made a significant difference in students’ grades, relationships and substance abuse. St. Paul Barbara Seivert She directs the Elders Counseling Vallecillo Elders program, aimed at reducing depression, anxiety and mental illness among the elder population. She recruited mental health professionals to provide in-home counseling and to meet the needs of elders at high risk for depression, etc. Patricia F. Walker, She works to reduce health M.D. disparities for the Center for International Health’s (CIH) and helped to create cultural competence with interpreters and bilingual staff at Regions Hospital. Virginia Jerry Ahrens They raised funds to renovate the Gayle Dibley Range Mental Health Center Drop-In Grace Petri Kitchen so hot meals could continue for residents in need. The center serves over 16,000 meals a year to those with serious or persistent mental illness. West St. Paul Leanne Pohl A survivor of breast cancer and supporter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, she takes part in the Foundation’s annual 5K Race for the Cure to promote awareness of breast cancer and has helped raise funds for other health causes. Winona Home and Community This organization offers a Healthy Options (HCO) Lifestyles class and “Liberty Walk” where, with the use of pedometers, employees track their steps with a goal of walking the distance to the Statue of Liberty. TRW Automotive, It created a Wellness Committee that Winona Plant held a Health Fair and “Walk for Wellness” encouraging employees to take charge of their health. Employee time off is allowed to participate in health programs.
Champions of Health is part of a series of initiatives by Blue Cross to help build healthier communities and to bring together communities to find solutions to health care problems. For more information, visit http://www.bluecrossmn.com/ .
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, with headquarters in Eagan, Minn., was chartered in 1933 as Minnesota’s first health plan and continues to carry out its charter mission today: to promote a wider, more economical and timely availability of health services for the people of Minnesota. A not-for- profit, taxable organization, Blue Cross is the largest health plan based in Minnesota, covering 2.6 million members in Minnesota and nationally through its health plans or plans administered by its affiliated companies. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, headquartered in Chicago.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
CONTACT: Sarah Bach, +1-651-662-1443, or Monika Strom, +1-651-662-6889,pager, +1-651-629-3975, both of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
Web site: http://www.bluecrossmn.com/
