ST. LOUIS, May 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that its Georgia subsidiary, Peach State Health Plan, received the 2014 National Environmental Leadership Award in Asthma Management from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These annual awards recognize programs that build partnerships at the local, regional and federal levels to reduce environmental triggers and improve asthma health outcomes.

In partnership with Nurtur, Centene's life and health management company, Peach State's teen-focused asthma program employs multimedia, bilingual education and innovative incentives to help more than 700 teens with severe asthma annually. Peach State delivers stratified disease-management services by partnering with health coaches and support services delivered in clinics, homes and schools.

"Asthma is a serious health condition that impacts 7.1 million children nationwide, including hundreds of our teen members here in Georgia," said Patrick Healy, president and CEO for Peach State. "We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition from the EPA for our comprehensive asthma management program. This recognition exemplifies our commitment to providing locally-based programs that are focused on the whole health of the individuals we serve."

Peach State's asthma program leverages Centene's national "Off the Chain" educational series to empower teens to manage chronic diseases, such as asthma, and includes a book specifically written for teens called All About Asthma.

About Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading multi-line healthcare enterprise that provides programs and services to government sponsored healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals.  Many receive benefits provided under Medicaid, including the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), Foster Care and Long Term Care (LTC), in addition to other state-sponsored/hybrid programs, and Medicare (Special Needs Plans).  The Company operates local health plans and offers a range of health insurance solutions.  It also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health, care management software, correctional systems healthcare, in-home health services, life and health management, managed vision, pharmacy benefits management, specialty pharmacy and telehealth services.

SOURCE Centene Corporation