July 26, 2024 (Smithfield, RI) – Hundreds of Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (Neighborhood) employees rallied around the “CEO Challenge” – a corporate version of the Ice Bucket Challenge – and raised more than $16,800 to benefit the ALS United Rhode Island which offers support to Rhode Islanders living with ALS.
Held on Neighborhood’s Smithfield campus (910 Douglas Pike) on July 19, Neighborhood’s President and CEO Peter Marino and other members of the organization’s leadership team braved the dunk tank and ice bucket challenges all while eager employees lined up for a turn at soaking them.
“Neighborhood enjoys partnering with ALS Rhode Island for this event each year,” said Marino. “It is amazing to witness Neighborhood’s energy and excitement, especially when we rally around an important cause for our community. Our history in supporting Rhode Island communities runs deep – since our founding 30 years ago this year.”
This marks the Fourth Annual event of its kind on Neighborhood’s campus. Each year Neighborhood employees demonstrate a strong community spirit, having raised more than $50,000 over the years to further the mission of ALS United Rhode Island. The CEO Challenge is an afternoon full of activities that builds camaraderie and thank employees for the generous contributions they make to our members, providers, and communities.
“We are deeply grateful for support from community partners like Neighborhood,” said Christina Vilardi, executive director of ALS United Rhode Island. “Their support enables ALS United Rhode Island to sustain crucial programs and services for families affected by ALS in our community, including our Multidisciplinary ALS Clinic, medical equipment loans, and investments in research. United together, we can end ALS.”
ABOUT ALS:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe. Presently there is no known cause. Generally, it costs an average of $250,000 a year to provide care for people living with ALS. Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS, and every 90 minutes
ABOUT ALS UNITED RHODE ISLAND:
ALS United Rhode Island is the only local organization providing care services and education to ALS patients, families, and caregivers. From newly diagnosed support, multidisciplinary ALS Clinic, medical transportation, medical equipment loans and home modifications, ALS United RI offers a range of services aimed at making the journey with ALS easier and more supported. The organization also invests in vital research and clinical trials to advance our understanding of and treatment of ALS, with the goal of ultimately finding a cure. Engaging the wider community through advocacy, public policy priorities, and fundraising events, ALS United RI strives to raise awareness and garner support for the fight against this debilitating disease, focusing on providing practical assistance to families affected by ALS in the community.
ABOUT NEIGHBORHOOD:
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (Neighborhood) is a not-for-profit health maintenance organization (HMO) founded in December 1993 in partnership with Rhode Island’s Community Health Centers and the state to ensure everyone in Rhode Island has access to high quality, cost-effective health care. Neighborhood serves over 220,000 members in the state with 82 percent of its membership Medicaid eligible through its ACCESS and TRUST plans and 6 percent of its membership utilizing Neighborhood’s INTEGRITY Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP). More than 12 percent of Neighborhood’s members represents individuals, families and small businesses who select one of 15 Neighborhood commercial plans available through the health exchange, HealthSource RI. Of these members, about 85 percent qualify for federal subsidies to cover a portion of their costs. Today, Neighborhood—with nearly 650 employees and $1.8 billion in revenue—serves one out of every five Rhode Islanders. This year, the organization is celebrating its 30th year of being in service to its members, employees and providers and advocating for access to quality health care for all Rhode Islanders. Learn more at nhpri.org.
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