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Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.) and representatives from Coppin State University and CareFirst unveil the $50,000 grant.

BALTIMORE, MD (June 22, 2008) - Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.) today joined Coppin State University (CSU) in unveiling a major advancement to its Helene Fuld School of Nursing (HFSON). The school, through a $50,000 grant from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, has added a pediatric nursing simulator to its curriculum. The latest addition to Coppin, "Baby Blue," is an infant-sized robot that that will help expand the number of students able to gain hands-on experience in patient care.

"Coppin's pediatric nursing simulator is the type of teaching innovation that can help keep the state's supply of nurses on pace with demand," said Rep. Cummings. "The need for bright, caring and capable nurses is especially felt in Baltimore City where the rate of infant mortality has reached alarming levels. I commend Coppin State and CareFirst for teaming together to address this need in children's health care."

According to the Baltimore City Health Department, the most recent statistics show that in 2007, 112 babies born in the City died before their first birthday. Baltimore's rate of infant mortality reflects deep health disparities and is comparable to some developing countries. Factors that contribute to infant health include medical and social support during pregnancy and access to critical information and care services after birth.

The addition of a pediatric nursing simulator will provide the Nursing School's 855 students a hands-on teaching environment. CSU was founded in 1900 and is a comprehensive, urban, liberal arts institution with a commitment to excellence in teaching, research and continuing service to its community. The university provides educational access and diverse opportunities for students with a high potential for success and for students whose promise may have been hindered by a lack of social, personal or financial opportunity. HFSON education reflects and emphasizes on primary health care, patient education, health promotion, rehabilitation, self-care and alternative methods of healing.

Dr. Reginald S. Avery, CSU President, said, "For Maryland to effectively meet the demand for nursing professionals in the coming years, it is critical that Coppin State University keep pace with academically and technologically advanced classrooms and cutting-edge science labs. Our School of Nursing's Maryland Robotics Institute, which houses the new pediatric nursing simulator, is a program that meets this challenge. At Coppin, an estimated 95 percent of our graduates remain in-state after earning their degrees. This level of retention is vital in helping the state to meet its healthcare needs. We thank CareFirst and Congressman Cummings for their generosity and support."

CareFirst, with nearly 3.4 million members, is Maryland's largest health insurer and paid $5.6 billion in medical claims last year. Reducing costs associated with chronic conditions, such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, is a major goal in health care reform. In the U.S., $1.7 trillion is spent on chronic conditions each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Trena Taylor-Brown, a member of CareFirst's Board of Directors, explained how nurses can play a pivotal role in helping patients manage their personal health. "As the system is structured now, a very small number of patients account for most of the money spent on health care. The advancements Coppin is making today can lead to skilled nurses who can drive greater efficiency in care coordination, helping to make health care more affordable for everyone."

In its 72nd year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health care organization which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to nearly 3.4 million individuals and groups in Maryland the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. Through its CareFirst Commitment initiative and other public mission activities, CareFirst supports efforts to increase the accessibility, affordability, safety and quality of health care throughout its market areas. In 2008, its community giving topped $41 million for its market region.

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