COVID-19 has dramatically impacted the health and wellbeing of people and families across the country. In support of the communities where we live and work, Regence health plans, together with its corporate foundation, have initiated new investments of $500,000 to care for people and families affected by COVID-19 and the health care workforce on the front lines of this public health crisis.
Additional strategic funding will address immediate community needs while also anticipating future demands, resulting from the long-term health and socio-economic impacts of the virus.
Response to growing food insecurity concerns
In response to the significant increase in barriers to food access and growing demand for food assistance, Regence is matching employee donations at 100% (up to $100,000) to designated nonprofits, working to ensure all Americans can stay healthy and fed during this crisis. Many of these nonprofits are existing Regence community partners, including:
- Idaho: Idaho Foodbank, Second Harvest
- Oregon: Oregon Food Bank
- Utah: Utah Food Bank
- Washington: Food Lifeline, Second Harvest
- Nationwide: Feeding America
Those interested in joining Regence Health Plans in supporting this cause can find and donate to their local food bank by visiting FeedingAmerica.org.
Emergency Relief Fund addresses immediate needs
In support of service providers on the front lines, Regence has allocated funds to address urgent and immediate needs identified by partners, including Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Ride Connection and NeighborCare Health. Additional investments will be made across the health plan’s four-state footprint in the coming weeks as needs are identified.
“We are proud to support the work of organizations on the front lines, and to evolve our grant-making in relationship with our partners as new needs become clear,” said Peggy Maguire, president of Regence’s corporate foundation and Corporate Social Responsibility. “I want to recognize and thank the health care and support services providers who are providing essential services during these challenging and uncertain times. Now is the time for all of us to lean in and take care of one another.”
Additional donations totaling $300,000 will be made into shared COVID-19 Emergency Relief Funds in Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington. These statewide community-based organizations have the ability to rapidly deploy funds directly to those most in need and combat health and safety issues as they emerge.
For more information on how Regence health plans are responding to COVID-19 and supporting members during this time, visit regence.com/go/covid-19.
About Regence
Regence serves approximately 3.1 million members through its Regence health plans in Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Each Regence health plan is a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Regence is part of a family of companies dedicated to transforming health care by delivering innovative products and services that change the way consumers nationwide experience health care. For more information, please visit regence.com.