BRONX, NY (December 15, 2009) — EmblemHealth today teamed up with 1050 ESPN Radio to bring New York Jets center Nick Mangold and 1050’s popular afternoon drive host and “Voice of the Yankees,” Michael Kay, to visit and read The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper to children at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore.

New York Jets Center Nick Mangold reads The Little Engine That Could to young patients at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore thanks to EmblemHealth and ESPN.

After the reading, Mangold and Kay autographed items brought for the children by EmblemHealth and 1050 ESPN, including Jets and Yankees items. Mangold and Kay then made personal bedside visits. Denise Shearer, Manager of Special Events for EmblemHealth, joined them for the reading and visits.

“We’re delighted to join with 1050 ESPN to bring some joy to kids who need to be in The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore during the holiday season,” said Frank Branchini, President and COO of EmblemHealth, who noted that the event is part of EmblemHealth’s ongoing efforts to give back to the community. “We wish them a speedy recovery and hope the New Year brings them good health.”

During the visit, Mangold distributed teddy bears to young patients.

Nick Mangold’s career with the New York Jets began in 2006. Nick became the first rookie center in team history to start all 16 games. In 2008 Nick was voted to the 2008 Pro Bowl as a starter and currently anchors an offensive line that boasts the NFL’s best rushing offense.

A Bronx native and one of 1050 ESPN Radio’s original personalities, Michael Kay has been broadcasting Yankee baseball on radio and television since 1992. Known as the “Voice of the Yankees,” he hosts 1050’s The Michael Kay Show Monday through Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. He is also a regular contributor to ESPN’s The Sports Reporters.

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 1050 ESPN New York:
1050 ESPN New York continues its tradition of sports excellence with its entertaining and informative programming. It’s the home of the Jets, Rangers and Knicks, the NBA, Major League Baseball including the entire postseason, the BCS, and high school sports coverage. Also broadcasting 24/7 at 107.1 FM on Eastern Long Island and at 1040 AM in Flemington, NJ and streamed live at www.1050espn.com

About The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore:
The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) is one of the most clinically and technologically-advanced children’s hospitals in the U.S., providing innovative and specialized medical treatment for children from the New York-metropolitan area and around the world. In 2008, CHAM ranked as one of “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals” in US News & World Report’s prestigious annual listing. It also received honors in the magazine’s 2009 edition. Montefiore is ranked by the Leapfrog Group among the top one percent of all U.S. hospitals based on its strategic investments in sophisticated and integrated healthcare technology. For more information, visit www.montekids.org