Amerigroup Foundation Honors Texas Rep. John Zerwas as a 'Champion for Children'

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., April 20, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Amerigroup Foundation today honored state Rep. John Zerwas of Richmond, Texas, with its "Champion for Children" award, which is part of a national program recognizing outstanding public advocacy efforts by government and community leaders who help improve the health and well-being of children across the nation.

Rep. Zerwas, who has four children, has been a long-time supporter of the Boys and Girls Club in Wharton, Texas, and the Boys and Girls Club in El Campo, Texas. To honor his commitment, the Amerigroup Foundation presented a contribution in the amount of $1,250 to each club.

In February, the club in Wharton opened a $1.1 million teen center that had been 15 years in the making. At the dedication, the club presented Rep. Zerwas with special acknowledgment for his participation in the Boys and Girls Club of America's Be Great Campaign, a teen advocacy program designed to direct federal and state funds into programs that provide assistance to at-risk students.

"I'm honored to be recognized for being part of a program that makes so much sense," Rep. Zerwas said at the ceremony. "I believe the young people of Texas will benefit greatly from this program, and that idea should make everyone's heart sing."

At a time when spending on health and human services is growing rapidly, Rep. Zerwas offers a level of expertise few can match. He has been a physician for more than 20 years and is one of only two doctors in the Texas House of Representatives. He practices anesthesiology at Greater Houston Anesthesiology, a group practice he helped start more than 10 years ago. In addition, he previously served as the president of the Memorial Hermann Hospital Network Providers group and was the hospital system's Chief Medical Officer.

"Rep. Zerwas can draw on his experience as a father, as a physician and as a legislative official to make informed decisions about health care initiatives that are on the minds of so many Americans," Chairman of the Amerigroup Foundation John E. Littel said. "At the same time, our goal is to work with local leaders for the benefit of healthier communities, and that starts with children. We are proud to honor someone with such broad experience in areas that all of us value greatly."

Rep. Zerwas was honored to accept the award and said the contributions will help "to provide a strong foundation that will positively impact the future leaders of our community."

About the Amerigroup Foundation

The Amerigroup Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Amerigroup Corporation, a multi-state managed health care company based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Foundation works to create healthy communities by fostering access to health care, encouraging safe and healthy children and families, and promoting community improvement and healthy neighborhoods. For more information about the Amerigroup Foundation, visit www.amerigroupcorp.com/foundation. 

SOURCE Amerigroup Foundation

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