HealthPartners "Proud" Theme Embraced by Oprah, Olympics

Many Twin Cities viewers of the Oprah show on CBS-TV were recently surprised to hear a familiar song in an unfamiliar place. The song, called "Proud", is best known to Minnesotans as the theme song for HealthPartners. On this day, however, Oprah introduced the song to a national television audience as her theme for the season.

"It is great to see the 'Proud' theme embraced by Oprah," explains Andrea Walsh, vice president and director of marketing for HealthPartners. "Oprah obviously shares our message of personal engagement and encouragement. We're happy to share this song with her."

HealthPartners, the Twin Cities' third largest health care provider, has used the "Proud" song in its television and radio commercials since 2002.

"A friend of mine shared the 'Proud' song with me several years ago and I thought it would be a perfect theme for HealthPartners," explains Gary Bingner, president and creative director of Quasimodo Advertising. "The song has such an uplifting, encouraging message. It really supports HealthPartners mission to empower its members to take charge of their health and take care of their communities."

"Proud" was also recently selected to be the official song of the 2012 London Olympics.

In addition, it is currently the theme song for "The Biggest Loser" on NBC-TV, a reality show about weight loss.

"We're glad the music and its message are receiving national attention, although HealthPartners encourages a less extreme approach to weight loss," said Walsh. "For example, our Frequent Fitness program encourages regular exercise by offering membership discounts at participating gyms."

HealthPartners is the largest consumer governed non-profit health care organization in the nation and is committed to improving the health of its members, patients and the community. Founded in 1957, HealthPartners (www.healthpartners.com) provides care and coverage to 635,000 members across Minnesota and western Wisconsin through a broad network of physicians and hospitals, including HealthPartners Clinics. HealthPartners commercial and Medicare Advantage plans have received the highest rating of "Excellent" from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Physicians and employees in 52 locations are dedicated to providing patient-centered care that includes disease management and prevention, innovative inpatient and outpatient services, hospice, pharmacy, health improvement, research and medical education.

Distributed by Market Wire