PerformCare Donates $10,000 to Support Communities Affected by COVID-19 Pandemic
Funds distributed to organizations addressing food insecurity throughout central Pennsylvania
August 20, 2020 - Harrisburg, Pa.
In an effort to support vulnerable Pennsylvanians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic — which has led to an increase in food insecurity across the state — PerformCare, a full-service managed behavioral health care organization that is part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, donated a total of $10,000 to three organizations. Collectively, these organizations support people without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food across 27 counties in central Pennsylvania:
- Central Pennsylvania Food Bank – A $5,000 donation that will provide meals to families in need in 27 counties across central Pennsylvania.
- Fulton County Food Basket, Inc. – A $2,500 donation was made to this non-profit human service agency that provides food on an emergency basis to those in need in Fulton County.
- SCCAP Chambersburg Food Pantry – A $2,500 donation to help empower families and engage the community to pursue innovative and effective solutions to break the cycle of poverty in Franklin County.
Access to nourishing food is a key determinant of overall health. Research shows communities with the highest rates of food insecurity also face a higher prevalence for chronic disease. A closer look at the some of the data is telling:
- According to Feeding America, one-in-nine people, and one-in-seven children, struggle with hunger in Pennsylvania. This means that many Pennsylvania households already faced challenges putting food on the table before the COVID-19 pandemic.
- PennLive.com reports that more than 1.5 million Pennsylvania residents experienced chronic hunger on a regular basis.
“Leading a healthy and productive life begins with having adequate access to nutritious food,” said PerformCare President James A. Laughman, M.S.W., L.S.W. “PerformCare is proud to support these three organizations by providing food relief for thousands of Pennsylvanians.”
These donations are critical as the COVID-19 pandemic has led food banks to experience a decrease in donations, a decline in volunteer groups, and an increased product demand. The donations are helping to feed those affected by the pandemic beyond PerformCare’s service area of Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Lancaster, Lebanon, and Perry counties.
About PerformCare
PerformCare, part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, is a national full-service managed behavioral health care organization that supports members and providers through specialized behavioral health and human services programs in both the public and private sectors. Founded in 1995, PerformCare serves more than one million members nationwide. For more information, visit www.performcare.org.
About AmeriHealth Caritas
AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation’s leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. Operating in 13 states and the District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas serves approximately 5 million Medicaid, Medicare, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) members through its integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management and specialty pharmacy services, and behavioral health services. Headquartered in Philadelphia, AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven organization with more than 37 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.