Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield to Conduct Free Community Health Screening

October 22, 2009

PARKERSBURG – In its continuing effort to improve the overall health status of the citizens of West Virginia, while at the same time working to combat the rising cost of healthcare, Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield (Mountain State) will offer free health screening services to residents of Huntington, West Virginia. As part of its Corporate Giving imitative, Mountain State will launch the "Health Check 2009" community health screening event with HealthPLACE on the Move, its mobile screening facility, at the Kroger parking lot located at 2627 5th Avenue in Huntington on Saturday, October 24, 2009.

This free screening will be offered from 10:00 a.m. – noon and will include a lipid and complete metabolic panel blood test, in addition to a blood pressure check. For accurate results, a 10 -12 hour fast is required. Participants should not eat, but drink plenty of water and refrain from using nicotine at least one hour prior to the screening. The results will be mailed to each participant and their doctor if the information is provided. This service is offered on a first come, first served basis and appointments are not necessary.

"We are always pleased when we are able to make an impact in helping to reduce the cost of healthcare in West Virginia while improving the overall health of its citizens," said Fred Earley, President of Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield. "Giving back to the communities we serve throughout the state of West Virginia is a large focus of our daily operations."

Identifying health risks or learning to maintain positive results are key to a long and healthy life. Checking and knowing your numbers – cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure – enable participants to make appropriate lifestyle choices.

All attendees will have the opportunity to sign up to win various prizes including (3) $100 Kroger gift cards and tickets to the Marshall vs. UAB game Saturday afternoon. A live remote will be conducted by local radio station, WKEE 100.5 who will be offering free food and additional prizes.

About Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield
Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Mountain State provides or administers coverage to more than 500,000 West Virginians and has close to 1,000 employees in Parkersburg, Charleston, Wheeling and Weirton. To learn more about Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield, please visit www.msbcbs.com.