Safeways plan muscular dystrophy fundraiser

The 117 Oregon and southern Washington Safeway stores are holding a fundraiser through Sept. 7 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Safeway will raise funds through customer donations at the checkstand, a coupon book and the Aisles of Smiles program in which certain product manufacturers donate to MDA for every purchase.

During last year's fundraising campaign, the Portland Division — which includes all Oregon and southern Washington Safeway locations — raised $572,008 for MDA, while the entire company raised $9.7 million.

All proceeds will help fund local programs and services, including support groups and equipment such as wheelchairs and leg braces. The proceeds also support a clinic at Sacred Heart Hospital and help send Oregon children with muscle-wasting diseases to MDA summer camp each year.

CareSource/Mid-Rogue Health Plan Inc. wins award

CareSource/Mid-Rogue Health Plan Inc., the Oregon-based Medicare Advantage provider with an office in Medford, won a merit award at the 26th annual Healthcare Advertising Award show for its television advertising campaign, "Augie and Mary." The award is given to select works of health-care-related advertising that demonstrate creative excellence and sound business strategy.

The campaign was developed by CareSource Director of Marketing Freddy Sennhauser and Art Director Mara Doane in collaboration with The Network 360 out of Santa Cruz, Calif.

Sennhauser said that in the first six months of running "Augie and Mary," CareSource's membership rose 80 percent.

CareSource is a 5,300-member Medicare Advantage provider based in Grants Pass. Established in 2005 by area physicians, CareSource covers Jackson, Josephine and Curry counties.

For more information, contact Sennhauser at 1-888-460-0185 or visit www.caresourcehealthplans.com.

Compiled from staff reports