SALT LAKE CITY – Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah has announced that the American Red Cross (ARC), Utah Region will be a Community Partner Organization for 2012.   The company made the announcement and presented the nonprofit with a check for $100,000 in March – American Red Cross month. 

Through the partnership, the American Red Cross joins a select group of nonprofits that receive both significant funding and volunteer support from Regence and its employees. The support will focus on helping the American Red Cross build its capacity to respond to emergencies and increase emergency preparedness among all Utah citizens.

“Our commitment to community investment is to partner with nonprofits, like the American Red Cross, that share our vision of building stronger, healthier communities,” said Jennifer Danielson, Regence BlueCross BlueShield vice president. “We believe that by investing in the American Red Cross, we are providing resources that will strengthen its ability to have a positive, long-term impact for all Utahns.”

The American Red Cross will use the funding from Regence to support a combination of special events, enhance its volunteer training during September Preparedness Month which includes a Shelter Boot Camp, and offer targeted professional development for the Utah Region team.

“The need for American Red Cross services and emergency preparedness continues to increase, particularly in the Utah region,” explained Maxine strengthen our organization and, most importantly, the programs and services we offer to ensure we’re there to help our community when they need us most.  We are so grateful for the support for our lifesaving work.”

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, please visit redcross.org or join its blog at http://blog.redcross.org.