News Releases

LINTHICUM, Md., August 26, 2009 — For the second consecutive year, Aetna (NYSE: AET) and the Aetna Foundation are granting $50,000 in support of the “105 Voices of History” (105 VOH) choir – a national choir made up of a student representative from each of the country’s 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). 

The funding supports the 105 VOH’s performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, August 30, as well each of the 105 students’ efforts as they return to their respective schools as “Aetna Ambassadors.”  Back home, they will work with their individual choirs to develop programs encouraging healthier lives through fitness, nutrition and the arts.

“Thanks to the support of Aetna, our National Premier Partner, we have been able to grow our partnerships across a broad and diverse spectrum of people, corporations and foundations, in the public and private sector,” said Renata Roy, founder of the 105 VOH.  “Aetna has also been instrumental in supporting our efforts to develop a ‘HBCU President’s Partners Council’ to help us create new funding strategies for the 105 VOH and increase HBCU alumni involvement in our overall efforts.”

On Saturday, August 29, the 105 VOH will lead a “Walk for Health,” starting at the Kennedy Center and ending at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where they will perform a free concert.  Sunday’s Kennedy Center performance will be hosted by Tom Joyner and feature Take 6.  The United States Navy Choir will sing the National Anthem.

“Aetna is proud to support the 105 VOH,” said Floyd Green, head of Community Relations for Aetna and honorary chair of the Aug. 29 and 30 events.  “This relationship highlights Aetna’s historical involvement with the country’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and shows how Aetna can work with 105 campuses and communities around the country as they develop ways to live healthier lives.”

For more information on the 105 Voices of History, see http://www.hbcuchoirs-105voh.com

About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.8 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates.  For more information, see www.aetna.com.

About The Aetna Foundation
The Aetna Foundation is the independent charitable and philanthropic arm of Aetna Inc. Founded in 1972, the Foundation seeks to help build healthy communities by funding initiatives that improve the quality of life where our employees and customers work and live. The Foundation's giving is focused on health, diversity and employee community involvement, with broader programs in our home state of Connecticut.  Since 1980, Aetna and the Aetna Foundation have contributed over $359 million in grants and sponsorships. Additional information about the Aetna Foundation is available at www.aetna.com/foundation.