NEW YORK, NY (November 19, 2009) – Today, Starlight Children’s Foundation NY*NJ*CT will dedicate a Starlight Fun Center in honor of EmblemHealth to the Maimonides Infants & Children’s Hospital. A Fun Center is a mobile entertainment unit that includes a Nintendo Wii™ system, a DVD player, and a Sharp AQUOS™ LCD television. EmblemHealth, a longstanding Starlight partner, has shown continued support and dedication to helping seriously ill children in the tri-state area. Starlight serves thousands of children who suffer from a wide range of critical, chronic, and life-threatening diseases and disabilities.

“EmblemHealth continues GHI’s longtime tradition as a dedicated supporter of Starlight Children’s Foundation events and programs,” said Elaine Siver, executive director of Starlight Children’s Foundation NY*NJ*CT. “Their commitment and dedication for the past 19 years has helped us reach over 275,000 children in the tri-state area each year. We are placing a Fun Center in the Maimonides Infants & Children’s Hospital to demonstrate our thanks for their continued efforts to bring smiles to the faces of seriously ill children.”

Fun Centers let hospitalized children control the action through the motion of the Wii Remote. Its design allows kids, even those who aren’t able to leave their beds or who have limited motion, to play with ease. With that, the Fun Centers can even be used to encourage children to do their physical therapy and motor coordination exercises. “The hospitalization of a child is always a stressful time for families,” said Dr. Steven Shelov, Chair of Pediatrics and Vice President of the Maimonides Infants & Children’s Hospital. “We are delighted on behalf of our patients that Starlight Children’s Foundation and EmblemHealth have provided this Fun Center to help alleviate some of that stress.”

Playing a video game or watching a movie helps pass the time, but studies have also shown that other benefits include perceived decreased pain and anxiety, a greater willingness to return for treatment, and alleviation of stress, loneliness and isolation that often accompany prolonged illness. Hospitals report that Fun Center use may even result in a reduced need for pain medication.

“We are pleased to have this Fun Center dedicated in EmblemHealth’s name as it brings joy to hospitalized children. As a longtime board member of Starlight, I am personally proud of this tribute and congratulate this organization for helping kids at a time when they need it most,” said Frank Branchini, President and COO, EmblemHealth.

About Starlight Children’s Foundation NY*NJ*CT
Starlight Children’s Foundation makes a world of difference for seriously ill children and their families. Since 1985, the NY*NJ*CT chapter has been offering hope and a brighter future for seriously ill children. The goal of the Starlight Children’s Foundation is to help these children experience the simple joys of being a child. Each year, Starlight serves over 275,000 critically, chronically, and terminally ill children throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Some of Starlight’s most unique programs include Great Escapes, special outings for children and their families, STARBRIGHT World, a private online community for teens who are living with chronic diseases to connect, Hospital Happenings, including themed parties, toys, and visits from entertainers. For more information on the Starlight Children’s Foundation of NY*NJ*CT, please log on to www.starlight-newyork.org.

About EmblemHealth
EmblemHealth, Inc., through its companies Group Health Incorporated (GHI) and HIP Health Plan of New York (HIP) provides affordable, quality health care coverage and administrative services to approximately 3.4 million people. Groups and individuals can choose from a variety of PPO, EPO and HMO programs as well as prescription drug, dental and vision plans. Plans offer a choice of networks, including access to over 106,000 quality doctors and other health care professionals and most of the leading hospitals across the tristate region. For more information, visit www.emblemhealth.com.

About Maimonides Infants & Children’s Hospital
The Maimonides Infants & Children’s Hospital is a fully-accredited children’s hospital offering a broad array of pediatric subspecialties. Providing care in a family-centric environment, it encompasses Inpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Units, Pediatric and Neonatal ICUs, an Outpatient Pavilion, a distinct Pediatric Emergency Center and a full-service Child Life program. For more information about the Maimonides Infants & Children’s Hospital, please log on to www.maimonidesmed.org