Press Release

Neighborhood Health Plan Receives "All-Inclusive Award" from Color Magazine

Boston, MA - December 6, 2010 - Neighborhood Health Plan (NHP) was honored with an All-Inclusive Award in the category of Leadership Organization by Color Magazine at its third annual All-Inclusive Awards event at the Westin Copley Hotel on December 2.

The All-Inclusive Awards celebrate and recognize organizations and leaders who are paving the way for change in the area of inclusion. Presented annually, there are three awards: Leadership, Supplier Diversity, and Change Agent. The recipients are selected based on their ability to embrace and foster workforce diversity and inclusiveness in those areas.

Nominees for the award must excel in recruitment and retention of diverse employees, foster or create opportunities within the community, employ diverse perspectives in their communities and/or organizations, and strive for a welcoming and supportive climate through efforts such as visibility, communication, and education.

Color Magazine selected Neighborhood Health Plan for its work promoting effective health management and care by building emphasis on cultural competence throughout their provider networks, member communications, and fostering diversity within NHP, actively recruiting and maintaining a diverse workforce.

"NHP believes that the best way to serve a diverse member population is to foster diversity and inclusion within our own organization," said Joanne Derr, vice president of Human Resources and co-chair of the NHP Diversity Committee who accepted the award on behalf of NHP. "Our staff truly represents the populations we serve; racial and ethnic minorities, GLBT, and staff with disabilities account for over 42% of our employees and are represented at every level and job function."

About Color Magazine

Color Magazine is the premier all-inclusive monthly magazine that highlights topics of interest revolving around New England and New York's professionals of color. For more information about Color Magazine, please visit www.colormagazineusa.org.

About Neigbhorhood Health Plan

Neighborhood Health Plan is a not-for-profit health insurer serving more than 220,000 members across Massachusetts, offering a wide array of government-funded and commercial products. NHP provides health care programs and related services to individuals receiving benefits under Medicaid, through small business employer groups, and through Massachusetts' groundbreaking health care reform. Founded in 1986 by the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and the Greater Boston Forum for Health Action, NHP focuses on offering members access to care from over 2,800 primary care physicians and over 10,400 specialists in over 300 primary care locations throughout Massachusetts. NHP is recognized as a national leader in care for medically complex and severely disabled populations. Central to Neighborhood Health Plan's mission, the organization places special emphasis on serving culturally diverse, traditionally underserved, and vulnerable populations.

Media Contact: Rhian Gregory - Neighborhood Health Plan - 617-620-0517