Blue Cross and Blue Shield Companies Invest Locally To Create A Healthier Nation

CHICAGO, June 27, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) System's ongoing commitment to improving the health of all Americans, employees of BCBS companies around the country collectively volunteered nearly 400,000 hours. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) released its eighth annual Investing in America's Health (IAH) report that details community health initiatives supported by the 36 independent, community-based and locally operated BCBS companies and their foundations in 2015.

The report compiles and measures the various ways that The Blues^® continue to invest in and develop innovative health initiatives. Collectively, they provide an unrivaled support of community-based grants, sponsorships and educational programs. BCBS companies donated nearly $350 million to community health initiatives in 2015. BCBS employees across the country also provided more than $10 million dollars in personal donations dedicated to improving the health of all Americans. 

"The commitment of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies and their employees to improving the health and wellness of the people they serve is unwavering," said Scott P. Serota, president and CEO for BCBSA. "As America's healthcare leaders, we take great pride in building on our 87-year legacy as true healthcare pioneers and trusted partners across the country and in every community."

This joint commitment demonstrates The Power of Blue and its three focus areas: improving healthcare access, improving healthcare quality and safety, and enabling healthier living. BCBS companies are investing in community-driven projects, and in 2015, several trends emerged that offer insights into the state of public health.

In 2015, combating childhood obesity and diabetes and supporting needs related to behavioral and mental health came to the forefront in BCBS community investments.

The report also highlights the importance of investing in safety-net clinics, programs that address opioid abuse and the long-term benefits of school-based health education. Many BCBS companies focus their strategies on the health and wellness of future generations by teaching young people the power of prevention to keep them healthier longer.

To mark the launch of the report, BCBS companies, employees and community organizations across the nation will be taking to social media for the coming weeks to profile BCBS companies' health investments and what these innovative projects have achieved, using the hashtag #PowerofBlue.

"This is an exciting opportunity for each community to tell its own inspiring story and for us to start a national conversation about how community health investments can help drive our country forward," Serota said.

To learn more about how BCBS companies are improving the health and wellness of members and their communities, view the report.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
Blue Cross 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 over 107 million members – one in three Americans. For more information on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and its member companies, please visit www.BCBS.com. We encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and check out The BCBS Blog for up-to-date information about BCBSA.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

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