Blue Cross and Blue Shield Commits Millions to Advance Health Equity

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Minnesota annually ranks as one of the healthiest states in the nation, but there still remains a wide gap in health outcomes among ethnic and racial minorities. To help address this, the Center for Prevention at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has recently awarded approximately $4 million over the next three years to support initiatives aimed at reducing health inequities.

“The challenges our state faces are multi-faceted and complex. A multi-sector approach is needed to close the gaps and improve the health of all Minnesotans,” said Janelle Waldock, vice president of community initiatives and health equity at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. “What inspires me is the number of organizations that want to step forward and play a role. Blue Cross is proud to join with them to advance health equity within the state of Minnesota, both as a funder and as an active collaborator.”

Reducing smoking and addressing health concerns are the two aims of the funding. Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES) will received funds to engage with Latino community members to provide education on the dangers of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. Another organization that will receive funding, for health concerns, is the HOPE Community which will focus on bringing sustainable change to the Minneapolis parks system, ensuring it is better resourced and accessible to all residents, especially those who live in low income communities with large populations of color.

Many of the factors that impact health fall outside traditional health care. These include neighborhood layout, access to healthy foods, and educational and recreational opportunities. All funding recipients were selected through a competitive process that included an initial application and a formal Request for Proposals.