(Capital Blue Cross) The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) today released its annual “The Health of America Community Investment Report,” detailing the impact of community investments made in 2017 by all 36 licensees and their foundations to improve the health of Americans.
Underscoring the companies’ deep commitment to helping Americans live healthier lives, Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) programs focus on driving positive health outcomes and addressing the most pressing issues affecting the country today, including community health disparities, the opioid epidemic and quality and accessibility of health care. By leveraging data insights, the Association and its companies are making informed decisions and developing solutions tailored for the communities in which they serve in both rural and urban geographies.
Combined, BCBS companies invested $284 million in community health initiatives in 2017, and BCBS employees volunteered more than 540,000 hours and provided more than $17 million dollars in personal donations – a $6 million increase over 2016 employee contributions.
“As the health insurer to one in three Americans, Blue Cross Blue Shield companies are leading the way to improve the health of all Americans,” said Scott Serota, president and CEO of BCBSA. “Blue Cross Blue Shield companies understand that the best way to positively impact health outcomes is to stand with and serve our local communities and collaborate on solutions with partners across the country.”
As a community-based health insurer, Capital BlueCross is committed to giving back to its 21-county region. In fact, doing so is part of the company’s mission. Each year, the company supports multiple causes and organizations that work to improve our communities. Employees are also encouraged to volunteer, and often join together to support charities that promote health and wellness, as well as families in need.
Highlighted in “The Health of America Community Investment Report” is Capital BlueCross’ work with the Beyond School Walls program through Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Capital Region. This unique mentoring program provides middle school students with the opportunity to participate in one-on-one mentoring in a professional environment. Capital BlueCross was the first company in the region to participate in Beyond School Walls. The research-based mentoring model is designed to create a trusting relationship between young adults and professionals, inspiring the students to see a future beyond high school. The program has been so successful at Capital BlueCross, it has been expanded to allow more students to participate.
Capital BlueCross’ community investment touches many aspects of our region, from health and human services, education and the arts, to community and economic development. The company invests in hundreds of organizations throughout its service area, both financially and through volunteer support.
“For the last 80 years, Capital BlueCross has been committed to improving the health and well-being of our region. The Central Pennsylvania and Lehigh Valley communities are where we live, work and play, and it is part of our DNA to give back to our neighbors,” said Gary D. St. Hilaire, President and CEO, Capital BlueCross. “Our corporate commitment is also shared by our employees, who consistently volunteer throughout the year, collectively helping thousands of individuals and families in need.”
This is the tenth-annual “The Health of America Community Investment Report released by Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. To learn more about how BCBS companies are improving the health and wellness of members and their communities, view the report at www.bcbs.com/investingincommunities.
About Capital BlueCross
Capital BlueCross, headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., is the leading health solutions and insurance company in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. A partner in the community’s health for 80 years, Capital BlueCross offers health insurance products, services and technology solutions that provide peace of mind to consumers and promote health and wellness for our customers.
More than a health insurer, the company delivers innovative solutions through a family of diversified businesses that is creating a healthier future and lowering health care costs. Among these solutions are patient-focused care models, leading-edge data analytics, and digital health technologies. Additionally, Capital BlueCross is growing a network of Capital Blue stores that provide in-person service and inspiration to help people reach their health goals. Capital BlueCross is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit capbluecross.com.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally-operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for one-in-three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health Indexsm. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit bcbs.com. We also encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and check out The BCBS Blog.
