April 2009
Dr. Philip Bonaparte Brings Medicine, Hope and Prayer to Remote Trinidad Village
(Newark, NJ, April 27, 2009)
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When most people plan time away from work, they think of warm, sunny and relaxing places with family and friends. Not Dr. Philip Bonaparte, MD, Vice President Clinical Affairs of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and Chief Medical Officer of Horizon NJ Health. In late March, Dr. Bonaparte traveled on a medical mission trip to a remote, rural community in Trinidad.
Dr. Bonaparte joined other doctors, nurses and volunteer members of a small faith-based medical mission ministry, The Montrose New Testament Church of God. During the four day mission trip, the volunteer team worked 15 to 16 hours each day and treated more than 75 community members for chronic health conditions, including hypertension, diabetes and arthritis. Health screenings were also provided as well as education for the warning signs of stroke, elevated blood pressure and diabetes.“I don’t feel like I am giving, I am receiving,” said Dr. Bonaparte, when asked why he goes on medical mission trips. “Providing medical help is something that I can do and should do. I am grateful that I have the opportunity to help, and it is rewarding to see the gratitude and kindness in the faces of those who are receiving care. It is the spiritual that connects us.” Dr. Bonaparte noted that the need for medical treatment and disease prevention is what takes him thousands of miles away from home on short-term medical outreach mission trips several times each year. His first mission was to India in 1996 and he has since served on frequent medical missions in Jamaica and Haiti. On this trip, Dr. Bonaparte brought medical supplies to treat diabetes and pain relievers to help those suffering with arthritis, a health condition prevalent in the region. “Patients work hard to stretch the medical supplies, clothing and food that they are given, and express a deep appreciation for any help they receive. For some, this may be one of the few times in their lives they ever see a doctor for needed care,” noted Bonaparte. The medical mission was sponsored through fundraising activities by The Montrose New Testament Church of God. For more information please visit: www.newhopecog.com or call 609-448-9424. About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is the oldest and largest health insurer in the state serving over 3.6 million members. Horizon BCBSNJ is New Jersey's only not-for-profit, health services corporation and is headquartered in Newark with offices in Wall, Mt. Laurel, and West Trenton. Horizon BCBSNJ provides a broad array of health and dental insurance products and services for individuals and small and large companies, including national companies headquartered in New Jersey. Horizon BCBSNJ is committed to improving the health care experience for all the communities we serve as well as helping our members become and stay healthy. Horizon BCBSNJ’s Web site is located at www.HorizonBlue.com. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ###
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