BCBSTX Launches 2014 Healthy Kids, Healthy Families Initiative

More than $1.6 million in funding provided in 2013

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Mar 19, 2014, 10:00 ET

RICHARDSON, Texas, March 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) today launched the grant cycle for the opening of its 2014 Healthy Kids, Healthy Families initiative, which provides funding to non-profit organizations throughout Texas. Non-profit organizations may apply for the grants through April 18 by visiting http://www.hcsc.com/grants.html.

In 2013, the program funded grants to 38 organizations impacting local communities in four key areas: nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention and management and supporting safe environments.

"With alarming health and wellness statistics of children dominating the headlines, we are dedicated to improving the lives and well-being of families in the communities we serve through programs that address public health issues and the social factors that contribute to them," said Michelle Riddell, vice president of community investment for BCBSTX, "We are pleased to continue supporting organizations that share our commitment to this goal."

During the program's initial three-year period, BCBSTX has awarded $4.9 million to more than 60 charitable organizations. In 2013 alone, 38 community partners were awarded more than $1.6 million. In 2014, BCBSTX expects this collaborative effort to deliver measurable, sustainable results to thousands of Texas children, making a positive and lasting impact on their futures.

About Healthy Kids, Healthy Families:

Healthy Kids, Healthy Families (HKHF) began as a three-year initiative designed to improve the health and wellness of at least one million children through community investments by Health Care Service Corporation and its Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Reaching nearly three million children within the first two years, HKHF is now a signature program of the organization and part of an ongoing commitment to invest in and partner with nonprofit organizations that offer sustainable, measurable programs to reach children and their families in areas of nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention and management, and supporting safe environments. To learn more about Health Kids, Healthy Families, please visit www.healthykidshealthyfamilies.org.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) – the only statewide, customer-owned health insurer in Texas – is the largest provider of health benefits in the state, working with nearly 80,000 physicians and 500 hospitals to serve 4.9 million members in all 254 counties. BCBSTX is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation (which operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Texas, Illinois, Montana, Oklahoma and New Mexico), the country's largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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