WellCare Sponsors Construction of Autism Multi-Sensory Room for PARC

TAMPA, Fla. - May 14, 2013 - PRLog -- WellCare Health Plans, Inc.  has donated $10,000 to PARC, a nonprofit agency that serves individuals with developmental disabilities. The donation is being used to construct a multi-sensory room in the organization’s new Autism Behavioral Center located in St. Petersburg, Fla. The room will be available to individuals of all ages who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and is expected to be finished in the coming weeks.

PARC was established in 1953 and currently serves more than 800 individuals with developmental disabilities in Pinellas County. The Autism Behavioral Center will offer this new multi-sensory room, a private therapy room and family observation areas. The center will also offer weekly training seminars to help parents, educators and care providers learn the latest techniques in helping individuals with autism, and will have extended hours for working families.

“With one in every 88 children being diagnosed with autism, WellCare recognizes the tremendous need for services like those offered through PARC,” said David McNichols, WellCare of Florida’s President. “Like PARC, WellCare is focused on helping people lead better, healthier lives. We look forward to partnering with PARC to help enhance life for those affected with this disorder, and ultimately make a positive difference in the community.”

“A multi-sensory room, like the one being sponsored by WellCare, is a key component to assisting those who have difficulty with sensory stimuli,” said Karen Higgins, President and CEO of PARC. “This room will offer children and adults the opportunity for interaction, engagement and training on how to self-regulate and make independent choices that will help them while they are in the community. The concept and equipment for this room are considered the best for sensory stimuli, and we are grateful to WellCare for helping us make it available.”

To learn more about PARC’s facilities and programs, or ways to support PARC, visit www.parc-fl.org.

About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
WellCare Health Plans, Inc. provides managed care services targeted to government-sponsored health care programs, focusing on Medicaid and Medicare. Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare offers a variety of health plans for families, children, and the aged, blind, and disabled, as well as prescription drug plans. The company serves approximately 2.7 million members nationwide as of March 31, 2013. For more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website at www.wellcare.com.

About PARC
PARC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities to exercise their independence and experience life to the fullest. Established in 1953, PARC currently serves more than 800 individuals in the greater Tampa Bay area. PARC's varied programs provide opportunities for individuals to participate in the life, work and recreational activities of their community. To learn more about PARC, please visit their website at www.parc-fl.org.