SCAN Health Plan, the country's fourth largest not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plan, was among the healthcare organizations honored by the Los Angeles Business Journal (LABJ) for its outstanding efforts in serving the community. The prestigious Healthcare Leadership Award ceremonies are conducted annually by the LABJ to recognize locally based companies whose community outreach programs help make the city a better place to live.
“The SCAN Van allows us to bring needed resources and information to senior centers, community gatherings, health fairs and other places throughout the greater Los Angeles basin.”
"An important part of our not-for-profit mission is helping to improve the quality of life for older adults while supporting the community as it works to meet growing healthcare challenges," said Lena Perelman, director of community outreach for SCAN.
Toward that end, SCAN brings to seniors in Los Angeles (and beyond) a growing array of unique community outreach programs that engage older adults in health maintenance, encourage active and healthy lifestyles, and support access to basic needs such as food and nutrition. SCAN also collaborates with local partners to fill gaps in community services and provides resources where they can do the most good.
In 2010, for example, SCAN unveiled the SCAN Van, the nation's first mobile resource center built specifically for seniors and caregivers. "There has never been a greater need to educate seniors on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle in a way that supports active and independent aging," said Perelman. "The SCAN Van allows us to bring needed resources and information to senior centers, community gatherings, health fairs and other places throughout the greater Los Angeles basin."
The SCAN Van is just one of SCAN's many community outreach efforts. Other initiatives include the award-winning "Trading Ages" senior sensitivity program, Senior Resource Centers, and a community-giving program that last year provided nearly $350,000 in financial support to nonprofit agencies that serve seniors.
"Our mission is to help seniors live independently at home and in their communities as long as possible," said Perelman. "Together with our local partners, we are working to make a genuine impact on the lives of older adults in every community we serve."
SCAN and its fellow honorees were recognized at a special luncheon held this week at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The Journal said that the awards are intended to "honor the accomplishments of individuals and organizations that have made strides in helping Angelinos receive better healthcare."
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