El Centro, CA (May 12, 2014) – California Health & Wellness is teaming up with the Imperial County Office of Education, Calexico Unified School District and Westmorland Union Elementary School District to put a stop to bullying through education and empowerment. Students and teachers at Kennedy Gardens Elementary School and Westmorland Union Elementary School will be among the first to participate in California in a national anti-bullying campaign called the “No Bullying Zone” developed by Centene Corporation, Cenpatico and Children’s National Health Center. Both California Health & Wellness and Cenpatico are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Centene Corporation.
The “No Bullying Zone” is designed to educate students, teachers and parents on how to prevent, identify and appropriately intervene with bullying in school-aged children. The campaign events will feature renowned children’s author Michelle Bain reading an anti-bullying book called Splotch the Madpole which was co-authored with Centene and anti-bullying expert Dr. Joseph Wright of Children’s National Health System. The events will also feature a performance by “X Factor” Finalist and Epic Records artist Marcus Canty as well as an anti-bullying “graffiti wall” where children will write positive messages about themselves and their friends.
“We are excited to bring the ‘No Bullying Zone’ to the Imperial Valley,” said Gregory Buchert, M.D., chief executive officer and plan president for California Health & Wellness. “Bullying is a serious problem that can have a significant impact on a child’s physical and emotional health. We want to give students, teachers and parents tools to help them address this important community health issue.”
The first stop of the California leg of the campaign will be May 13 at Westmorland Union Elementary School followed by events on May 15 and 16 at Kennedy Gardens Elementary School.
“We are thrilled to have someone here who is willing to help our schools,” said Anne Mallory, Imperial County Superintendent of Schools. “We are grateful to partner with California Health & Wellness on this important initiative to increase awareness and prevent the negative impact of bullying on our children and schools.”
About California Health & Wellness
California Health & Wellness is a Medi-Cal plan and wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a national leader in healthcare services. Our commitment is to positively transform the communities in which we live, work and serve through improved access to quality healthcare and support services. For more information, please visit us at www.CAHealthWellness.com.
About Centene Corporation:
Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading multi-line healthcare enterprise that provides programs and related services to the rising number of under-insured and uninsured individuals. Many receive benefits provided under Medicaid, including the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), Foster Care and Long-term Care (LTC), in addition to other state-sponsored/hybrid programs, and Medicare (Special Needs Plans). The Company operates local health plans and offers a range of health insurance solutions. It also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health, care management software, correctional systems healthcare, life and health management, managed vision, pharmacy benefits management and telehealth services.
About Cenpatico:
Cenpatico’s expertise lies in managing benefits for vulnerable populations. Our healthcare specialties include behavioral health, foster care, school-based services, specialty therapy and rehabilitation, community reentry and more. We have managed Medicaid and other public sector benefits since 1994; currently, we serve more than 2.5 million members nationally. Our headquarters are in Austin, Texas and we have local teams across the country in the markets we serve. Cenpatico is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation. We are committed to innovative solutions and designing programs tailored to improving functional outcomes with our members.
About Children’s National Health System:
Children’s National Health System, based in Washington, DC, has been serving the nation’s children since 1870. Children’s National’s hospital is Magnet® designated, and is consistently ranked among the top pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and the Leapfrog Group. Home to the Children’s Research Institute and the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National is one of the nation’s top NIH-funded pediatric institutions. With a community-based pediatric network, eight regional outpatient centers, an ambulatory surgery center, two emergency rooms, an acute care hospital, and collaborations throughout the region, Children’s National is recognized for its expertise and innovation in pediatric care and as an advocate for all children. For more information, visit ChildrensNational.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.