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Health Plan makes donation to YWCA

The Health Plan recently made a significant contribution to fighting domestic violence in the Ohio Valley. The company donated $25,000 to the YMCA Wheeling’s Family Violence Prevention Program.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company said, there has been an increase in domestic violence in the region and throughout the country. YMCA Wheeling Executive Director Lori Jones said that emergency shelter nights have increased by 69 percent, and the organization’s Family Violence Prevention Program helped more than 11,600 women, children and men last year.

“The stress for our community members fleeing domestic violence is overwhelming,” Jones said. “The support offered by The Health Plan assists every person seeking health and safety in their lives. We can’t be more honored to be community partners with The Health Plan in our quest to end domestic violence.”

Additionally, THP employees donated materials for the YWCA Wheeling’s STEP (Survivors of Trafficking Empowerment Program) initiative. The materials will be placed into bags and distributed to help the recipient with positive coping skills. Employees also included words of encouragement and phrases of positivity with the coping skill bags.

“We are proud to offer this support for programs designed to help victims of domestic violence,” said Jeff Knight, President and COO of THP. “The work the YWCA does in our local community is more important than ever. We commend their extraordinary effort to help women, children, men and families in need of a safe haven and support.”

The Health Plan, in addition to donating resources and money, supports community organizations through volunteerism.

“It is an honor to be a part of YWCA Wheeling Board of Directors,” said Antoinette Geyer, Senior Vice President of Provider Delivery Services, THP. “Their commitment to our local community in providing a safe space for women and children, empowering women to grow professionally, and advocating for those facing discrimination is inspiring and something I am thrilled to be a part of.”

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) where you can reach an advocate at all times of every day. If you are not able to call safely, you can text LOVEIS to 1-866-331-9474 or chat online at TheHotline.org. All calls are free and confidential.

If you suspect human trafficking, call federal law enforcement at 1-866-347-2423. If you need help call National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to BeFree (233733).

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