Amerigroup Foundation Honors Virginia State Senator Ralph Northam as a 'Champion for Children'

PORTSMOUTH, Va., Dec. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Amerigroup Foundation today presented its "Champion for Children" award to Virginia State Senator Ralph Northam in honor of his lifetime devotion to caring for children.

The Champion for Children award is part of a national program by the Amerigroup Foundation to recognize outstanding public advocacy efforts by government and community leaders to improve the health and well-being of children across the country.

In addition to serving the Commonwealth of Virginia, Sen. Northam works as a pediatric neurologist and volunteers for organizations that are devoted to the care of children.

"I am honored to receive the Champion for Children award," said Northam. "I hope that through the combined efforts of the medical community, my colleagues in the General Assembly, and organizations like the Amerigroup Foundation, we will be able to have a positive impact on the lives of young people in Virginia."

Sen. Northam donated the $1,000 award to Edmarc Hospice for Children, where he volunteers as the medical director. Edmarc provides health care for seriously ill children in the comfort of their own home.

"Sen. Northam is the finest example of what it means to put our children first," said John E. Littel, chairman of the Amerigroup Foundation. "We admire his tireless work on behalf of children who desperately need his care. It's an honor to present this award to him."

Edmarc will use the award money to buy computers for the children under their care. "The computers will provide a lifeline for these children," said Debbie Stitzer-Brame, executive director at Edmarc. "They will enable the children to communicate with family and friends while being treated for their illnesses."

About Edmarc

Edmarc Hospice for Children is a community-based organization serving greater Hampton Roads whose mission is to ease the trauma of child's illness or death, and to reduce the disabling effects of pediatric illness, loss and bereavement on families. Founded in 1978, EDMARC was the first hospice in the nation designed specifically for children and now serves as the only pediatric hospice organization in Hampton Roads. Edmarc is located at 516 London Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704. For more information, contact Edmarc at www.edmarc.org or call 757-967-9251.

About the Amerigroup Foundation

The Amerigroup Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Amerigroup Corporation (NYSE: AGP), 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