LOUISVILLE, Ky. and TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing that community organizations creating the social safety net are critical to achieving positive outcomes for vulnerable populations, WellCare of Kentucky, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG), awarded micro-grants to two nonprofit community-based organizations in Kentucky that provide pregnancy-related support services.

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The grants, totaling $2,000, support the Children, Inc.'s Youth Families Program and the Family Health Centers' prenatal classes.

WellCare's micro-grant program in Kentucky is one facet of its commitment to building partnerships with community organizations that offer support in meeting basic social needs. This year, WellCare awarded a total of $20,000 to 18 organizations across the Commonwealth. Nearly 100 applicants competed for grants.

"Positive change in our communities can only happen through strong partnerships," said Elizabeth Starr, supervisor of community advocacy, WellCare of Kentucky. "Micro-grants can assist a community-based organization grow in reach and make a difference. By identifying these organizations, we have the opportunity to improve health care access and to enhance the health and lives of our members and communities."

Children, Inc., the largest private nonprofit provider of child care in the Commonwealth, through its Young Families program, provides home visitation services to substance-using, pregnant women in Kenton County, Kentucky.

"The micro-grant will be used to educate high-risk populations on the effects of drug use during pregnancy through curriculum, visual aids and resource referrals," said Erin Moorman, supervisor of the Young Families Program at Children, Inc. "Home visitors will be better equipped to provide the support necessary for increasing positive pregnancy outcomes and empowering pregnant women to provide a healthy, nurturing environment for their children."

Family Health Centers is a nonprofit community health center providing a variety of health care services throughout metro Louisville.

"Family Health Centers is delighted to receive a WellCare micro-grant to support our efforts to keep our new babies safe with car seats," says Melissa Mather, spokesperson for the Family Health Centers. "By strengthening our prenatal classes with car seat education, we can have a lasting impact on families."

As of June 30, 2016, WellCare serves approximately 445,000 Medicaid members, 8,000 Medicare Advantage plan members and 20,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Kentucky. To learn more about how we care for Kentuckians, watch Brandi's story at http://youtu.be/YwOw5EgeSYo.

About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing government-sponsored managed care services, primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs. WellCare serves approximately 3.8 million members nationwide as of June 30, 2016. For more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website at www.wellcare.com or view the company's videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan.

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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.