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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois' Regina High Recognized by the American Heart Association

July 14, 2009

June is a month for celebrations, and for Illinois community affairs coordinator Regina High that meant a trip to Atlanta to be honored by the American Heart Association.

Regina was named the Midwest affiliate winner of the Power to End Stroke National Campaign by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. She was honored as a "Power Ambassador" for creating education and awareness events that inform people on the high incidence of stroke within their communities.

The Power to End Stroke Campaign was created in 2006 by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association to reduce stroke and risk of stroke by 25 percent by 2010. It aims to raise awareness of these risks in the African American population in particular because even though heart disease and stroke are major health risks for everyone, African Americans have a higher risk.

A community relations liaison at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, High regularly selects, creates and participates in a variety of local community health and wellness programs and events.

"Regina is an excellent a role model because she is dedicated to making a real difference in the community," said Clarita Santos, director of Community Health Initiatives at Blue Cross. "She approaches her work thoughtfully, with enthusiasm and her efforts speak for themselves."

Other leaders in the African American community recognized with the award this year include Elder Bernice A. King, Dr. Rani Whitfield, Dr. Bobby Jones, Dr. Teresa Kennedy, Kenny Lattimore, Chante Moore, Laurence Payne, Corliss Hill and Shonta Chambers.

"I was touched to be in the presence of such accomplished individuals, including Bernice King, the youngest daughter of Martin Luther's King, Jr.," said Regina. All of the honorees were so amazing and their stories were very inspirational to me. It truly was a memorable evening for me."

Regina was also recently recognized with an honorable mention at the 2009 President's Diversity Awards Dinner with CEO Pat Hemingway Hall, HCSC's Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team. Regina says, "It means quite a bit to me to have been nominated by another employee and to know that my efforts had an impact on my colleagues. I am happy that in my role I am able to be a face of Blue Cross and make contact with so many members."

Jack Segal, VP of IL Public Affairs, says, "When Regina is in charge of an event, you know it's going to be bigger and better than it was the year before. She's going to raise more money, have more volunteers and run it well. I think Regina's work mantra is 'Go big or go home.'"

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
With approximately 7 million members, BCBSIL (www.bcbsil.com) is the largest health insurance company in Illinois. Started in 1936, BCBSIL is committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and its communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSIL is a division of Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), a Mutual Legal Reserve Company. HCSC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.



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