Henry Ford Health System and HAP Pledge $100,000 Toward Flint Water Crisis Relief Efforts

DETROIT, Feb. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Henry Ford Health System and its subsidiary Health Alliance Plan (HAP) announced today that they have made a joint pledge to contribute $100,000 toward relief efforts to help those impacted by the Flint water crisis.

The $100,000 will be raised through a combination of employee donations and corporate support and will go toward the combined efforts of the United Way of Genesee County and the Flint Child Health and Development Fund, which provides aid to children and families who have been impacted by the water crisis.

The announcement was made today by Wright Lassiter III, president of Henry Ford Health System and interim CEO of HAP, marking the kickoff of the employee donation drive. Henry Ford Health System has more than 23,000 employees, which includes 1,300 HAP employees.

"Our employees asked what they can do to help," said Lassiter. "Their response to the situation was overwhelming. That concern and eagerness to give is really inspiring."

Earlier this month, HAP announced that it had completed its merger with Flint-based HealthPlus, resulting in a single company that will keep the HAP name. Headquartered in Detroit, HAP has long had a presence in the Flint market. The addition of the HealthPlus facilities, employees, products and service areas has significantly increased the company's presence in mid-Michigan.

"This crisis has really hit home for us," said Lassiter. "Henry Ford and HAP share a commitment to the diverse communities we serve and that includes Flint. Community spirit is the very essence of who we are as an organization and nowhere has that been more evident than in our employees' willingness to give to those in need."

About Henry Ford Health System
Henry Ford Health System, one of the largest and most comprehensive integrated U.S. health care systems, is a national leader in clinical care, research and education. The system includes the 1,200-member Henry Ford Medical Group, five hospitals, Health Alliance Plan (a health insurance and wellness company), Henry Ford Physician Network, a 150-site ambulatory network and many other health-related entities throughout southeast Michigan, providing a full continuum of care. In 2014, Henry Ford provided $317 million in uncompensated care. The health system also is a major economic driver in Michigan and employs more than 23,000 employees. Henry Ford is a 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient. The health system is led by CEO Nancy Schlichting. To learn more, visit HenryFord.com.

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Kathy Bilitzke
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SOURCE Health Alliance Plan (HAP)