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The NHMA represents Hispanic physicians in the United States, and itsmission is to improve the health of Hispanics throughout the country. Dr. Rioswill share with BCBSF the ways her organization is working to address healthcare disparities in this country. This will mark Dr. Rios' first visit toBCBSF, and a number of informative sessions are planned with company leadersand employees throughout the day.

"It is a privilege to host a distinguished and influential leader such asDr. Elena Rios," said John M. Montgomery, M.D., vice president of professionalrelations for BCBSF. "As a company dedicated not only to diversity, but alsoto providing quality service and care to our providers and members, theinsights Dr. Rios can supply will be extremely beneficial as we continue ourmission as a company to advance the health and well-being of all Floridacitizens."

Dr. Rios also serves as president of NHMA's National Hispanic HealthFoundation, where she directs educational and research activities. Over hercareer, Dr. Rios has received several leadership awards, including recognitionfrom the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the CongressionalBlack, Hispanic, Asian and Native American Caucuses, the American PublicHealth Association Latino Caucus, and the Association of Hispanic HealthExecutives, among others. In October 2006, Dr. Rios was inducted into theMinority Alumni Hall of Fame of Stanford University.

This past year, Dr. Rios was awarded the honor of speaking at both theDemocratic National Convention and the Republican National Convention, whereshe addressed the delegations on the subjects of health care and health caredisparities.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida is a leader in Florida's healthindustry. BCBSF and its subsidiaries serve more than 8.3 million people. Since1944, the company has been dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of all thoseit serves by offering an array of choices. BCBSF is a not-for-profit,policyholder-owned, tax-paying mutual company. Headquartered in Jacksonville,Fla., BCBSF is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue ShieldAssociation, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shieldcompanies. For more information concerning BCBSF, please see its Web site atwww.bcbsfl.com.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida