Capital BlueCross Invests 10,000 Volunteer Hours in Central Pennsylvania and Lehigh Valley Communities

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Demonstrating its commitment to local causes and communities, Capital BlueCross supported the investment of 10,000 employee volunteer hours to nonprofit organizations in 2015.

"Throughout our nearly 80 years of service, Capital BlueCross has strongly held that the well-being of our customers is intrinsically linked to the health of our local communities," said Gary D. St. Hilaire, president and CEO of Capital BlueCross. "As more than an insurance company, we believe that investing in the community through volunteerism, health initiatives, and charitable involvement benefits everyone. Capital BlueCross encourages employees to actively volunteer, and their contributions are helping our communities to be healthier places to live, work, and raise a family."

Among the many recipients of Capital BlueCross' support last year was Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region. In addition to the company's direct work with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Capital BlueCross employees independently raised more than $40,000 for the nonprofit's annual Bowl for Kid's Sake event. Employees also volunteer with the organization by serving as Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Other community organizations Capital BlueCross and its employees support include the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the American Heart Association, and MS Society.

Capital BlueCross also recognizes that health is not just about the body. It's about mind and spirit as well. For more than 25 years, employees have taken that to heart by providing gifts for children in need during the holidays. In 2015, employees donated more than 600 gifts that were delivered to children through several area nonprofit agencies.

The company also places value in the power of the arts to impact health and well-being. In addition to hosting community art walls in its Capital Blue health and wellness stores, Capital BlueCross works with area theaters and arts programs throughout its service area. This includes the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts and Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra in Harrisburg, and ArtsQuest and the Da Vinci Science Center in the Lehigh Valley. 

Capital BlueCross also serves both Capital BlueCross customers and the entire community through its Capital Blue stores. Community organizations are welcome to use community rooms at the stores to hold meetings, with catering conveniently provided by the in-store healthy cafés. Fitness classes are offered for all ages and skill levels, free for customers and for a small fee for non-customers, and professional care guides provide free or low-cost health screenings and advice.

"The commitment of BlueCross BlueShield companies and their employees to improving the health and wellness of the people they serve cannot be understated," said Scott P. Serota, president and CEO for BlueCross BlueShield Association. "As America's health care leaders, BlueCross BlueShield companies take great pride in building on our 87-year legacy as true health care pioneers and trusted partners to the communities we serve."

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association recently released its eighth annual Investing in America's Health report. Capital BlueCross is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. The report highlights the commitment of the 36 BlueCross and BlueShield companies to improving the health of all Americans, an effort that contributed to a national total of nearly 400,000 volunteer hours.

To learn more about how BlueCross BlueShield 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 nearly 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 BlueCross BlueShield Association
BlueCross BlueShield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated BlueCross and BlueShield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for over 107 million members – one in three Americans.

SOURCE Capital BlueCross

Related Links

https://www.capbluecross.com