JD Hickey
President & CEO,
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
Dalya Qualls White
SVP & Chief Communications Officer
Executive Director, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation
Better health, stronger communities
At BlueCross, our mission is to provide peace of mind through better health. This goes beyond covering claims and doctor’s visits, though. We understand other factors, like access to nutritious food and opportunities for physical activity, contribute to our members’ overall wellbeing.
That’s why, as the leading health insurer based in Tennessee, we’re committed to improving the lives of our neighbors — and the communities where they live — by giving back. From building BlueCross Healthy Places to stocking shelves at food banks, we’re helping make sure Tennesseans have opportunities to improve all aspects of their health. We have other responsibilities, too – like being good stewards of our natural resources and contributing to the vitality of our communities through the tax dollars we pay each year.
These are responsibilities we take seriously as a mission-driven company. And while we’re proud of our progress, we realize we still have work to do. We hope you’ll take some time to learn about the ways we’re helping to make a stronger, healthier Tennessee each day.
One way we support the wellbeing of our neighbors is by providing opportunities for connection and healthy activity. The signature cause of the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, the BlueCross Healthy Place program creates and revitalizes public spaces across the state, strengthening the bonds that form the backbone of our communities. In 2023, we celebrated the fifth anniversary of the program with groundbreakings and openings in Knoxville, Bean Station, Dayton and Memphis.
On May 16 in Memphis, our foundation announced a partnership with the National Civil Rights Museum to create the BlueCross Healthy Place at Founders Park. The project, slated to open in 2025, will bring museum visitors and community members together for contemplation and reflection.
Investment to reimagine Founders Park, the area directly across from the National Civil Rights Museum and the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.
Visits at 21 BlueCross Healthy Places in 2023
Minutes spent at BlueCross Healthy Places in 2023
Inclusive fun at Henry Horton State Park
“Universally designed playgrounds send the message that Hayden and other disabled children aren’t afterthoughts, but valuable, welcomed members of their community who deserve accessibility, belonging and fun.”
Supporting our members, supporting Tennessee
As a local, not-for-profit insurer, we pride ourselves on using our members’ premium dollars carefully and wisely. We not only pay for health care services, but we also strive to balance the rising cost of that care, providing our members with access to quality, affordable options.
On top of that, we’re based right here in Tennessee – which means the jobs, household income and revenue we generate support the communities where the majority of our members live and work.
Paid in local, state and federal taxes
Employees in more than 87 Tennessee counties
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Community Trust supports the work of nonprofit partners throughout the state. We focus our funding on four primary areas: charitable clinics, disease prevention and treatment, youth health and development, and diversity and inclusion.
Helping nonprofits serve our neighbors
“We’ve been working to increase our delivery efforts because as the cost of food has gone up, the ability to access grocery stores has gone down. This year’s support from the BlueCross Community Trust allowed us to increase the home delivery network from 100 to 140 clients.”
Given to local organizations in 2023
Doing our part for the environment
Supporting our neighbors and communities also means working to create a healthier environment. At BlueCross, we’re committed to sustainability, and our remote-first approach to work helped us make additional strides in our efforts throughout 2023.
Reduction in electrical energy consumption from on-site solar power in 2023
Gallons of gas saved in 2023
TeamBlue Volunteers
Our employees are committed to giving back. Each year, they donate thousands of hours of their time to support the causes and organizations that matter to them — and help their neighbors. In-person and virtual volunteer opportunities make it possible for employees to participate in the ways that work best for them.
In 2023, our TeamBlue volunteer activities included:
- Donation drives
- Letter-writing campaigns for senior citizens
- Food bank sorting, stocking and distribution
- Bunk bed builds for children in need
- Charitable thrift store support
Hours volunteered
Organizations supported by employee volunteers
Mission moment
BlueCross learned about Sleep in Heavenly Peace through an employee, Terrilyn Craig, who had volunteered with the organization. That led to a $3,000 grant from the BlueCross Community Trust and an employee bed-building event in November 2023 involving more than 50 TeamBlue volunteers. The trust also gave $2,000 to the organization’s chapter in Columbia, Tenn.
2023 BlueCross Power of We Health Equity Scholars
Since 2013, the BlueCross Power of We Health Equity Scholarship has helped over 40 promising students continue their studies in the fields of nursing, medical technology, pharmacy and more.
Each year, the BlueCross Foundation awards $10,000 each to 6 recipients based on their community service, leadership and academics – as well as their commitment to improving health equity for Tennesseans.
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©2024 BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Community Trust and BlueCare Tennessee are Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is a Qualified Health Plan issuer in the Health Insurance Marketplace.
1 Cameron Hill Circle, Chattanooga, TN 37402-0001