MILWAUKEE – Feb. 13, 2014 – Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s work to improve health and strengthen local communities continued in 2013, as the company, its associates and corporate foundation directed more than $1.75 million and hundreds of volunteer hours to health-improving causes, organizations and programs in Wisconsin.
”Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is committed to transforming health care with trusted and caring solutions, and that extends directly to our work in communities throughout Wisconsin,” said Larry Schreiber, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin. “We’re proud to support the organizations and programs that are working to help our friends and neighbors live their healthiest lives possible.”
Through its State Health Index – a compilation of public health measures – and Healthy Generations grant program, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its foundation work to identify the health issues most in need of attention and then direct charitable support and volunteer efforts toward improving those areas.
Major areas of focus for Anthem in 2013 included promoting active lifestyles and working to reduce the devastating impact of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease and lung disease on Wisconsin children, adults and seniors.
”With roots dating back to 1940, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has seen a lot of change,” said Schreiber. “What’s not changed is our commitment to serving our members and advancing health in Wisconsin. It is a true honor to work with so many great people and organizations and we look forward to doing so again in the year ahead.”
A summary of the company’s 2013 efforts follows. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s grants, events and sponsorships can be found on its Tumblr page at http://anthemwi.tumblr.com.
Downloadable Infographic: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield 2013 Community Commitment
2013 Summary: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Community Commitment
National Grant Programs
Wisconsin communities benefit from open and active grant activity by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s parent company foundation to national and regional organizations, including:
· American Cancer Society;
· American Heart Association;
· Boys & Girls Clubs of America;
· March of Dimes; and
· OASIS Institute.
Wisconsin Grants
The following grants were awarded by the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation in 2013:
· Concordia University – $50,000 – health education component of mobile nursing unit.
· Health Literacy Wisconsin (a division of Wisconsin Literacy) – $25,000 – flu immunization workshops; and
· Wisconsin League for Nursing – $33,000 – student scholarships.
Community Events & Sponsorships
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin supported community events and causes working to improve health in the state, including:
· American Cancer Society – Relay for Life, Fond du Lac;
· American Diabetes Association – Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes, Milwaukee;
· American Lung Association – Fight for Air Climb, Milwaukee;
· Children’s Museum of La Crosse – Big Muddy Run, La Crosse; and
· Green Bay Packers Fit Kids, statewide.
Community Service Day
A company-wide Community Service Day was held on April 27 at five locations across the state:
· Habitat for Humanity – Fond du Lac, Wis.;
· Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Fond du Lac, Wis.;
· Growing Power – Milwaukee;
· Hunger Task Force – Milwaukee; and
· Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Wisconsin – Milwaukee.
Associate Giving Campaign
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield associates’ contributions made through the Associate Giving Campaign are backed by a 50 percent match from the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, bringing the total paid out in 2013 to more than $204,000.
The six charities in the 2012-2013 campaign were:
· American Cancer Society;
· American Red Cross;
· Community Health Charities;
· Feeding America;
· St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; and
· United Way.
Informal Sponsorships & Giving
Informal charitable activities and donation drives organized by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s offices and business units over the course of the year, including:
· Toys for Tots;
· Waukesha Food Pantry; and
· Volunteer Milwaukee.
