Press Releases: 2011

Robert E. Cooper Jr. Receives Prestigious Award for Outstanding Community Service

Humanitarian Award Presented for Assistance with Cancer Education and Outreach

Robert E. Cooper Jr. was the recipient of the 2011 President's Award from the Central Pennsylvania Coalition United to Fight Cancer (CATALYST). Cooper is a Community Affairs manager for AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan, a member of the AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies. The award was presented to Cooper at the 14th annual Loving Souls & Sweethearts Cancer Education Workshops and Luncheon, which was held at the C. Ted Lick Wildwood Conference Center. AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan is a Medicaid managed health care plan serving members in central and northeastern Pennsylvania.

Cooper was recognized for his active role in creating cancer outreach and education programs for AmeriHealth Mercy members in Dauphin and York counties. He has been instrumental in helping CATALYST to facilitate programs that educate these communities about prostate, breast and cervical cancer.

"At AmeriHealth Mercy, part of our mission is to build healthy communities," said Cooper. "I am honored to receive this award and will continue to support this program. I have been involved with CATALYST for several years and know that the work they do educating the community about early detection and cancer prevention makes a difference in the lives of the people we serve."

The mission of CATALYST is to provide cancer outreach and education by promoting the benefits of early detection. The organization seeks to improve the cancer survival rates of ethnic and minority populations in Central Pennsylvania and across the state. CATALYST partners with health care providers, community organizations, cancer survivors and others interested in networking to provide cancer awareness using a culturally sensitive approach. The President's Award is presented each year to "an outstanding humanitarian who strives to improve their fellow man’s well being by addressing health issues through their occupation, volunteerism, compassion and sacrifice."

"We are pleased and proud that one of our own has been recognized for this honor," said Marge Angello, Executive Director, AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan. "Rob truly embodies the spirit of this award and has been a dedicated advocate of the CATALYST program. His efforts have helped to develop innovative solutions to educate our members about their cancer risks."

The award was presented by Barbara E. Jackson, CATALYST President and Founder, and cancer survivor. "We appreciate the work Central Pennsylvania Coalition United to Fight Cancer has been able to accomplish with the assistance of AmeriHealth Mercy and their dedicated staff," said Jackson. "Mr. Cooper has been a role model as well as a community leader and we look forward to continuing our partnership with AmeriHealth Mercy to share the message that through education, prevention and early detection lives can be saved."

About AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan

AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan, a member of the AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies, is a Medical Assistance (Medicaid) managed care health plan serving more than 107,000 Medical Assistance recipients in 15 counties of central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan is a mission-driven company dedicated to helping members get care, stay well, and build healthy communities. For more information, go to www.amerihealthmercyhp.com. 

For more information, contact AmeriHealth Mercy at 215-937-8648.