[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 107 (Friday, August 5, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      CARING PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN

                                 ______


                           HON. RICK SANTORUM

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 5, 1994

  Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. Speaker, as we debate the future of health care in 
America, we must constantly search for innovative solutions. Today, I 
want to draw our attention to one unique solution that was first 
developed in Pittsburgh and has been successfully reproduced in 23 
States.
  I am referring to the Caring Program for Children, a Blue Cross of 
Western Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Blue Shield Health Care Program 
for children living in the families of the working poor. Initiated in 
1985, it became the Nation's first private health insurance plan 
serving children of low-income families. The Caring Program provides 
free primary health care coverage, including immunization and well-
child visits, doctor office visits when a child is sick, outpatient 
diagnostic tests, emergency medical and accident care, outpatient 
surgery, dental care, vision care, and hearing services at no cost to 
the children or their families. Prescription drugs are also available 
with a $5 copayment.
  The widespread outpouring of community support for this efficiently 
operated delivery system has enabled the Caring Program to help over 
30,000 children since 1985, with all funds contributed being matched 
dollar for dollar by Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Between 1989 and 1993, 
the Caring Team Campaign, developed by the Caring Program, has enlisted 
130 local schools and 7 major corporations and raised $984,000--
including the matching funds--to further the drive. All money raised 
through a school district goes directly to the primary health care of a 
child in the school's community as Blue Cross/Blue Shield donates all 
administrative expenses. In this way the campaign has been able to help 
nearly 5,000 children in the past 5 years.
  The achievements of the Key Club at Springdale Junior/Senior High 
School, in my congressional district, are exceptionally noteworthy. The 
Springdale Key Club, sponsored by Mrs. Rose Petroff, has raised a total 
of $26,000 for the Caring Program, including over $6,000 in 3 of the 
last 4 years. The money raised by Springdale alone, combined with Blue 
Cross/Blue Shield's matching funds, has provided 330 children with 
primary health care coverage at no cost to their families.
  Springdale's efforts truly have been amazing, as it is a small school 
with only 600 students and just 20 Key Club members. This exceptional 
group of students was recognized when the Caring Program was featured 
on a recent NBC Nightly News segment. Springdale's students have also 
been honored by the State of Pennsylvania and Key Club International 
and recognized by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Springdale principal Michael 
A. Panza is correct in noting, ``This shows what the efforts of a few 
committed people can accomplish.''
  As the national spotlight intensifies on health care, we must 
recognize, that no matter what reforms we pass, government alone cannot 
reach everyone. We must depend on community and private involvement 
like the exemplary efforts of Springdale Junior/Senior High School and 
the Caring Program for Children. Endeavors such as these must now 
receive our careful attention. As Mike Panza concludes, ``We have 
started our [health care] battle in Springdale and we are winning.'' 
Thank you, Blue Cross of Western Pennsylvania/Pennsylvania Blue Shield 
and Springdale, for leading the way.

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