Amerigroup Foundation Presents 'Champion for Children' Award to Texas Sen. Juan Hinojosa

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Oct. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Amerigroup Foundation presented Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa of McAllen, Texas, with its "Champion for Children" award and contributed $2,500 to the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Coastal Bend in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Throughout his career of public service in both Texas legislative bodies, Sen. Hinojosa has consistently advocated for programs crucial to children and improving access to health care for low-income families.  In his current role as Vice-Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, he has continued to make these initiatives a priority in the face of deep budget cuts. While serving in the House, he worked to create a physician loan repayment program, bringing nearly 225 primary care physicians to underserved areas in the state and played a vital role in the effort to establish the Regional Academic Health Center, which promotes physician training on the Texas/Mexico border.

"The Foundation admires Sen. Hinojosa's tireless efforts and those of CASA of the Coastal Bend — both work to improve the lives of children in need. I am pleased to present this award to such a deserving individual and positive role model throughout the state of Texas," said LeAnn Behrens, Amerigroup Texas chief executive officer.

In 2011, the senator was honored for his lifelong commitment to helping those in need, receiving the "Big Voices for Little Texans Award" from CASA and the "National Award/State Alliance Champion Award" from the Boys & Girls Club.

"There's no constituency more important than our youngest, and there's no 'special interest' greater than our children," said Sen. Hinojosa. "I'm proud to work together toward advancing opportunities for the next generation, and I am honored to accept this 'Champion for Children' award on their behalf, benefiting such an important organization such as CASA."

The award is a 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.

About the Amerigroup Foundation

The Amerigroup Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Amerigroup Corporation (NYSE: AGP),
a multistate managed health care company based in Virginia Beach, Va. 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.

About CASA

The National CASA Association is a network of 946 programs that are recruiting, training and supporting volunteers to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in the courtroom and other settings.

CONTACTS:

Foundation: Tina Gill
Amerigroup Corporation
Executive Director, Foundation
(757) 955-8875
[email protected]

News Media: Maureen C. McDonnell
Amerigroup Corporation
Vice President, External Communications
(757) 473-2731
[email protected]

SOURCE Amerigroup Foundation