SALT LAKE CITY – Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah has selected American Red Cross Utah Region as a Community Partner Organization for 2014.   The company celebrated the launch of this new partnership by presenting the nonprofit with a check for $50,000 in March – American Red Cross month.  (See photo.)

The funds will be used to sponsor the annual Heroes Recognition events statewide as well support the Armed Forces Mentorship program. Through the mentorship program, Red Cross volunteers will be trained to serve as mentors or advocates for service members and military families and help them with whatever needs they may have.

“Many military members, veterans and their families face economic, social, mental and/or physical challenges. There are organizations that offer assistance; however, the maze of processes and procedures can be overwhelming.  Additionally, many military families are not aware of the assistance they can receive,” said Scott Swenson Service to Armed Forces and International Services manager for the Red Cross. Swenson added, “Every military family has given so much. Our goal is to make sure they receive the help they need and deserve.”

Through this partnership, the Red Cross joins a select group of nonprofits that receive both significant funding and volunteer support from Regence and its employees.

“Regence is proud to support the American Red Cross’ ongoing work and specifically the new Armed Forces mentorship program” said Jennifer Danielson, president of Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah. “We are also proud to support Red Cross month by sponsoring the Heroes campaign, honoring Utahns who have changed lives through extraordinary courage, compassion, service and sacrifice.”

“The annual Heroes award recognition events are an important part of our annual fundraising efforts and the support of Regence is a significant contribution to that effort,” said Heidi Ruster, CEO, American Red Cross Utah Region. “The partnership with Regence means we can also strengthen services to the armed forces programs and ultimately all of the programs and services we offer to ensure we’re there to help our community when they need us most.”

About Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah is a leading health plan in Utah, with more than 330,000 members, offering health, life and dental insurance. Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah is a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, and is affiliated with Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon and Regence BlueShield (selected counties in Washington). Together, the companies serve more than two million members in the Northwest/Intermountain Region. The Regence affiliated companies are committed to improving the health of its members and communities, and to transforming the health care system. For more information, please visit www.regence.com/RegenceUtah.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, or to make a donation please visit redcross.org