For Release: Immediate

HIP Provides Clara Barton H.S. Students With Information on Healthy Lifestyle Practices Plus $50,000 to Purchase Art Supplies and Musical Instruments

New York, N.Y. Jan. 15 - HIP Health Plan of New York today sent 50 members of its management team to Clara Barton High School in Brooklyn to provide the school's 1,900 students and 200 faculty with healthy lifestyle information.

Led by Anthony L. Watson, Chairman & CEO, and Daniel T. McGowan, President & COO, the all-day series of seminars and workshops will bring health care expertise into the classroom, covering such subjects as stress management, smoking prevention, diabetes and nutrition.

Arthur H. Barnes, Senior Vice President for External Affairs, who has been an active participant in the school's Principal for a Day Program since 1996, coordinated the program.

Jacqueline D. Foster, Principal of Clara Barton, said, "HIP's generous support and health care studies information is an invaluable benefit to the school."

Mr. Watson, who presented the school with $50,000 to purchase musical instruments and art supplies for the Arts Education Program, said: "This informational initiative with Clara Barton High School is an example of how HIP provides grants, sponsorships, contributions and in-kind services to nonprofit groups in our great city. It reflects our commitment to the well being of the diverse communities, in which our members live and work. In the case of Clara Barton, we are especially pleased to be working with young people."

Mr. McGowan noted: "HIP's health care information day is another chapter in our long-standing relationship with Clara Barton High School. Since 1996, HIP has provided substantial grants to enhance the school's programs, including the School-to-Work Program, scholarships to graduates and summer internships."

During its association with Clara Barton, HIP has also provided the school with donations of computers, office furniture, various supplies, and has funded a college guidance program for graduating seniors.

HIP is a mixed model health plan with almost 800,000 members and the largest in the New York Metropolitan area. HIP provides access to care through a network of more than 15,000 physicians in 25,000 locations. HIP's network includes physicians in independent practice as well as physicians practicing at health centers. Among the hospital systems operating the centers are Montefiore Medical Center, Continuum Health Partners, including St. Luke-Roosevelt and Beth Israel Medical Centers, and the Lenox Hill Community Medical Group.