Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware Announces New Funding for Five Nonprofit Organizations

WILMINGTON, Del., July 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSD) is awarding five new grants to local organizations under its BluePrints for the Community program. Since the program began in 2007, Delaware nonprofit organizations have received nearly $2.3 million in grant funding from BCBSD.

"For more than 75 years, we have been committed to the health and well-being of our members and the communities in which they live," said Tim Constantine, BCBSD President and CEO. "To date, approximately 11,000 Delawareans have been able to access affordable, high-quality health care through our program and more are being helped with the new initiatives underway."

The five organizations and initiatives to receive funding under the BluePrints for the Community program are outlined below:

• Catholic Charities received a grant of $133,500. Catholic Charities will use the grant to provide mental health services for the underserved and uninsured throughout the State.
• Children & Families First received a grant of $54,041. Through its Nurse-Family Partnership initiative, Children & Families First pairs registered nurses with first-time expectant mothers. In 2010, BCBSD provided an initial grant to help support this initiative. Due to the success of this program, BCBSD will continue its funding to help women improve prenatal health — and, ultimately, the health of their babies.
• Hope Medical Clinic received a grant of $87,000. This organization, based in Dover, was one of the first BluePrints for the Community grant recipients, and is being awarded a second grant. The Hope Medical Clinic provides primary care medical and dental services to uninsured patients ranging from 18 to 64. With a newly-expanded facility, the Clinic will use this grant to help cover the costs of patient care and expand its office hours.
• Mental Health Association in Delaware received a grant of $52,339. This organization has been awarded a grant to implement peer support groups in Kent and Sussex counties for individuals diagnosed with depression. These support groups will be available at no cost to participants, and will help individuals better understand and cope with depression so they can lead healthy and productive lives.
• Volunteer Ambulatory Surgical Access Program received a grant of $15,000. This organization, based in Dover, has received a grant renewal to provide ambulatory surgery services to low income, uninsured patients. The grant proceeds will be used to help eligible patients receive free, outpatient, ambulatory and elective surgeries.

Through these grants, BCBSD is helping local organizations make a positive impact on the health and well-being of Delawareans. To learn more about BCBSD's grant program and several grant recipients, please click here.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. With more than 75 years of service, BCBSD offers a comprehensive portfolio of health benefits products to nearly 394,000 customers. BCBSD is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. More information about BCBSD is available at bcbsde.com.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

For more information:
Gail Street, Public Relations Manager
Corporate Communications
302.421.3301

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware