(Washington, DC, April 17, 2007) — Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen is pleased to announce that the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Beneficiary Services and Partnership Groups has awarded the Office of the Lieutenant Governor Division of Banking a grant in the amount of $36,391.00.

This grant will be used for the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to support a state-based program that offers local one on one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.  Through CMS funded grants directed to states, SHIPS provide free counseling and assistance via telephone and face to face interactive sessions, public education presentations and programs, and media activities.  Currently SHIPS are located in all 50 states plus Washington, DC, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

For additional information please contact the Office of the Lieutenant Governor at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas VI 00802-6487.