Health Plus - Health Plus Sponsors Dominican Parade

For Immediate Release

Health Plus Sponsors Dominican Parade
Thousands Brave the Heat to Show Their Pride

Media Inquiries:Kathryn Soman (718) 491-7493
Customer Inquiries: Marketing Department (888) 809-8009

New York, NY - August 16, 2005 — This past Sunday, thousands of Dominicans and Latinos of all origins lined the sidewalks of Sixth Ave for the Annual Dominican Parade. Parade-goers battled intense heat and humidity to show their pride and support, but were rewarded with an amazing display of culture -- from food and costumes, to music and dance. For Dominicans, it was a touch of home right here in the heart of New York. For others, it was a chance to see the vibrant culture, first hand.

New York City is home to largest population of Dominicans inside the United States. Manhattan’s Dominican population increased dramatically between the 1960s and the mid ‘90s, so it is no wonder that this event has grown in past decades from little more than a street fair to one of the largest ethnic parades in the city.

“We are always happy to support the Dominican Parade,” said Ada Rodriguez, Chief Marketing Officer for Health Plus. “The Dominican people are a big part of the communities we serve, and supporting their culture deeply reflects our mission. We’re glad to come out for this parade every year, and it is always lots of fun.”

A lovely Dominican angel (otherwise known as Yohanny Diaz, Marketing Supervisor for Health Plus) graces the company’s parade float as it makes its way up 6th Ave. during the Dominican Parade.

Manuel Antonio Quezada, Regional Marketing Manager for Health Plus, stands among enthusiastic parade-watchers along Manhattan’s 6th Ave. for the Annual Dominican Parade.

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Health Plus, a not-for-profit, multi-cultural organization, is one of the fastest growing managed care organizations in New York City. It was established in 1984 with a commitment to provide coordinated quality health care and improving access to health care for uninsured and underserved families. In its annual review of managed care plans, the New York State Department of Health ranked Health Plus as the top plan for quality in its 2002 and 2003 "Consumer's Guide to Medicaid Managed Care in New York City." Health Plus is New York City's leading provider of Child Health Plus, a New York State Department of Health program that offers parents FREE or low-cost health insurance for children under the age of 19. "CRAIN'S New York Business" magazine ranked Health Plus fifth among the largest health maintenance organizations in the New York area.