TAMPA, Fla. (Oct., 22, 2024) – On any given day, there are approximately 400,000 children in foster care in the U.S., including more than 21,000 youth in Florida – the state with the third-highest number of foster care youth in the nation. Each day, approximately 740 youth enter foster care, equating to one every two seconds. Sadly, these youth often begin their journey in the foster care system with nothing more than a trash bag to carry their belongings.

 

Simply Healthcare Plans, a leading provider of Medicaid and Medicare solutions in Florida, has provided foster care youth with a sense of dignity and hope by teaming up with Comfort Cases and sponsoring a Comfort Cases packing party. A $20,000 donation from Simply Healthcare, along with backpacks donated by Closet Factory Cares, recently enabled volunteers to fill 225 bags with comfort and personal care items. These items, which include new pajamas, socks, blankets, stuffed animals, books, activity materials and hygiene kits, were then presented to Children’s Network for distribution to youth entering foster care.

 

"Simply Healthcare remains steadfast in its commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable youth, including those in foster care. Our continued collaboration with Comfort Cases is a testament to the meaningful impact we are making," said Dana Gryniuk, Medicaid plan president, Simply Healthcare Plans. "It’s humbling that a backpack filled with simple essentials can bring so much hope to a child. Simply Healthcare is proud to bring that comfort to hundreds of youth across Tampa Bay."

 

Following similar efforts in 2023 and 2022, Simply Healthcare’s sponsorship to bring Comfort Cases to the Tampa Bay Area was influenced by statistics showing that Hillsborough County has the highest concentration of foster care youth in Florida. FLHealthCHARTS.gov reports that approximately 4,000 foster care youth live in the tri-county area of Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco. The hundreds of bags prepared during the packing party, which was held in Ruskin, will help to address these needs.

 

“Our goal is to provide every child in foster care with a backpack filled with items that not only meet their needs but also provide comfort and a sense of belonging,” said Rob Scheer, the founder of Comfort Cases. “These backpacks are a small but powerful way to show these children that they are valued and cared for.”

 

The impact of the Comfort Case initiative extends far beyond the practical items provided. National research demonstrates that the transition into foster care can be particularly traumatic, with 30 percent of foster youth suffer from PTSD. Receiving a well-stocked backpack – one that represents care and consideration – can be incredibly beneficial for children facing challenging circumstances.

 

Additional advocates who are partnering in this effort with Comfort Cases, Simply Healthcare, Closet Factory Cares and Children’s Network are Gulf Coast JFCS, WeCare Family Connections and Hillsborough County Public Schools’ South County Career Center. Together, these organizations are one step closer to eliminating the use of trash bags from the system and showing foster care youth that they matter.

 

 

About Simply Healthcare Plans

Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc., is a Florida managed health care plan that serves Medicare Advantage and Medicaid members in the state of Florida. In addition, Simply, through a line of business called Clear Health Alliance, also serves Florida Medicaid members who are living with HIV/AIDS. Our goal is to provide healthcare and related services that are comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Each and every day, members of our team can be found in Florida communities, listening to our members, interacting with our health care providers and partnering with community-based organizations. Our goal is to ensure members and entire communities are empowered to become active participants in their health care and sustain healthy lifestyles. To learn more about Simply, visit www.simplyhealthcareplans.com.

 

About Comfort Cases

Comfort Cases is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to inspire communities to bring dignity and hope to youth entering foster care. Since 2013, we have distributed more than 250,000 Comfort Cases® and Comfort XL duffel bags to children in the foster care system in all 50 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. We are a gold-level GuideStar participant, demonstrating our commitment to transparency. Click this link or visit https://www.comfortcases.org/gala