MEDIA ADVISORY

IBC Foundation recognizes nursing interns and 10 years of nursing support

WHAT:

The Independence Blue Cross Foundation celebrates the next generation of nurses today with a recognition event honoring 25 student nurse interns who participated in IBC’s Nurse Internship Program this summer. Now in its ninth year, the program offers two nontraditional opportunities to undergraduate nursing students: a behind-the-scenes look at the managed health care industry through hands-on experience at IBC and first-hand clinical experience at community health centers that serve uninsured and underserved populations in vulnerable neighborhoods. 175 nursing students have participated in the IBC Nursing Internship program to date.

Keynote speaker Marie Savard, M.D., a former ABC news medical contributor, will talk her about professional development as a nurse, nurse educator, and healthcare business leader.

Since 2004, Independence Blue Cross and the IBC Foundation have provided more than $10 million in funding to support nursing and address the severe threat posed to the quality and cost of health care from the growing shortage of nurses and nurse educators in southeastern Pennsylvania.

WHEN & WHERE:

Thursday, July 31
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
1901 Market Street, 44th Floor
Philadelphia, PA

WHO:

Lorina Marshall-Blake, president, Independence Blue Cross Foundation
Paul Tufano, Esq., EVP General Counsel & President Government Markets
Marie Savard, MD, former ABC News Medical Contributor, Author and Consultant
25 nursing interns from 13 regional nursing programs will present a social media project
Clinic directors and nursing faculty
Intern mentors

About the Independence Blue Cross Foundation
The Independence Blue Cross Foundation is a charitable, private foundation, whose mission is to transform health care through innovation in the communities it serves. It was launched in October 2011 by Independence Blue Cross, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The IBC Foundation and Independence Blue Cross, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, are both committed to improving the health and wellness of the people of southeastern Pennsylvania. The foundation targets the following areas of impact:

• Caring for our most vulnerable: Supporting nonprofit community health center clinics that deliver quality, cost-effective primary, medical, and dental care to uninsured and underinsured people.
• Enhancing health care delivery: Strengthening the nursing workforce through education, career development, and research.
• Building healthy communities: Partnering with community leaders and programs to address community health and wellness needs.

Connect with us on Twitter at @ibxfdn.

Media Contact:
Ruth Stoolman
Independence Blue Cross
Ruth.Stoolman@ibx.com
215.241.4807 (office)
215.280.3335 (cell)

© 2013 Independence Blue Cross Foundation
Independence Blue Cross and the Independence Blue Cross Foundation are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, serving the needs of Philadelphia and southeastern Pennsylvania.