PORTLAND, Ore. – The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) today released its annual “The Health of America Community Investment Report” showcasing the nationwide 2018 impact of community investments made by all 36 independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies and their foundations.

The collective efforts of BCBS programs, including financial contributions and volunteerism, are focused on improving health care access, addressing social determinants of health, advancing health care quality and affordability, and enabling all Americans to live their healthiest lives. 

This year the report spotlights Regence’s efforts to impact social determinants of health, the economic and social conditions that affect a wide range of health and quality of life outcomes. Regence’s community investments across Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Utah are guided by key focus areas that also include addiction prevention, supporting seniors and sustainability. Together, Regence and its family of companies invested more than $8.3 million in communities in 2018.

Recent Regence partnerships that address critical community needs include:

  • In Oregon, Regence BlueCross BlueShield partnered with local grocer New Seasons Market to support the Farmers Market Fund and to boost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at farmers markets across the state.
  • In Washington, Regence BlueShield partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build affordable homes for low-income families and to help seniors age in place.
  • In Idaho, Regence BlueShield partnered with the Idaho Foodbank to expand its Mobile Pantry program–an integral part of the Foodbank’s hunger-to-health initiative.
  • In Utah, Regence BlueCross BlueShield partnered with Volunteers of America to reopen its Center for Women and Children, which supports homeless or vulnerable women in recovery and their children.

“Too often we take for granted basics such as access to nutritious food as well as safe and affordable housing and transportation,” said Alison Arella, assistant director of corporate social responsibility for Regence. “Creating strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations addressing these social determinants is one of the most powerful ways Regence can support and lift the health of our communities.”   

Combined, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies invested $382 million in community health initiatives in 2018. BCBS employees also volunteered 572,000 hours and provided more than $13 million in personal donations.

This is the 11th annual “The Health of America Community Investment Report” released by Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. To learn more about how BCBS companies are improving the health and wellbeing of members and their communities, view the full report at bcbs.com/corporate-social-responsibility.

About Regence
Regence serves more than 2.6 million members through Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Regence BlueShield (select counties in Washington). Each 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.

About Blue About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health Index. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit bcbs.com. We also encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and check out our blog.