Regence invests in the health of our communities: What’s next in 2019 and beyond

Main photo: Regence BlueShield of Idaho employees volunteer monthly at the Idaho Foodbank in support of its Mobile Pantry initiative.

Regence is committed to giving back. Born out of the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor, our commitment to stewardship continues to guide us in the ways we support our communities.

In 2018, we identified key focus areas to guide our strategic investments. From addressing food insecurity and other social determinants of health, to supporting addiction prevention and education, the game-changing partnerships we cultivate help to enhance the quality of life in our communities.

Recently, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association released its annual “The Health of America Community Investment Report” detailing the impact of community investments made by Blue plans across the nation. Regence was proud to be included in the report, which highlighted our efforts to impact social determinants of health – the social and economic conditions that affect a wide range of health and quality of life outcomes.

Too often we take for granted basics such as access to nutritious food as well as safe and affordable housing and transportation. Creating strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations addressing these social determinants is one of the most powerful ways we can support and lift the health of our communities.

Through our strong ties with Mary’s Place, we’re helping to expand access to health care services for Seattle-area families experiencing homelessness. And we’re addressing a critical need for food access, supporting seniors across Salt Lake County through our partnership with Green Urban Lunch Box.

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah employees volunteer at Green Urban Lunch Box, preparing a garden that will produce fresh fruits and veggies for area seniors.

In 2018, Regence and its family of companies and employees invested more than $8.3 million into our communities. And we’re not done.

In 2019, we’ll partner with 55+ nonprofit organizations that are making a difference. This includes:

• Idaho Foodbank: our investment supports the expansion of the Foodbank’s Mobile Pantry across the state.
• Medical Teams International: our investment supports the Mobile Dental Program, which provides critical care to low income, homeless and immigrant families.
• Volunteers of America: our continued partnership with this Utah-based organization provides operational support for its Center for Women and Children, which provides a safe detox center for homeless women and their children.
• Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County and Tacoma/Pierce County: our long-standing partnership with Habitat for Humanity organizations across the state supports the development of affordable housing for all.

Follow along on the Regence blog as we continue to share the great stories behind our community partnerships this year. Together, we can improve the health of our communities.

Alison Arella is the assistant director of corporate social responsibility for Regence.