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RUSSEL BENNETT HONORED FOR CROSS-BORDER PHILANTHROPY

SAN DIEGO – Oct. 31, 2007 – With health issues such as HIV and tuberculosis on the rise on both sides of the border, concerned individuals and organizations are looking for new ways to help support citizens in need in California and Mexico.

To address these needs, United Healthcare’s Vice President of Latino Health Solutions, Russell Bennett, has set out to make a difference by providing leadership and support to charitable causes such as cross-border health.  Bennett’s efforts toward improving health in the Latino community were recently recognized at the International Community Foundation and Fundación International de la Comunidad  A.C.’s second annual gala on Oct. 20.   At the event, Bennett received the organization’s Border Health Leadership Award.

The gala, which was held to celebrate efforts to expand cross-border philanthropy and improve health, benefited the International Community Foundation’s Sustainable Communities Fund and Fundación International de la Comunidad A.C.  In addition to honoring Bennett, the event supported charitable giving and volunteerism benefiting communities and local nonprofit organizations with an emphasis in Baja California.

“Finding solutions to cross-border health problems such as AIDS and diabetes are challenges that must be tackled together,” said the International Community Foundation’s board chair, Mary Walshok, Ph.D.  “Russell has demonstrated his commitment to making a difference through his work to promote culturally competent health care for the Latino community.”

Bennett was the founding director of the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission, U.S. Section.  He also created and produced the health education television program ¡Salud para Usted!, which provides information on illness prevention and other health issues.

For more information on the International Community Foundation and ways to help, please visit www.icfdn.org.