Funds will benefit multiple organizations in affected areas; $400,000 total contributed to relief efforts
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation has donated an additional $250,000 to support communities devastated by Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a category 4 storm on Sept. 26 and caused catastrophic flooding in parts of northeast Tennessee and western North Carolina.
This additional funding will be distributed among four organizations assisting residents in affected areas, including:
- Region A.H.E.A.D, an initiative of the First Tennessee Development District – $100,000
- Greater Kingsport Family YMCA – $50,000
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee – $50,000
- United Way of East Tennessee Highlands – $50,000
The BlueCross Foundation has already contributed $150,000 to American Red Cross efforts ($50,000) and the Ballad Health Foundation’s disaster relief fund ($100,000). This additional donation brings total relief contributions from the foundation to $400,000.
“We continue to hear news reports and see images from areas impacted by Hurricane Helene that are deeply saddening,” said Dalya Qualls White, executive director of the BlueCross Foundation. “Our thoughts remain with our neighbors who have been affected by this tragedy, and we hope this additional support allows organizations coordinating relief efforts to reach even more people in need.”
To further support impacted members, BlueCross has lifted prescription refill limits for those living in affected areas and continues to provide virtual care services through Teladoc® Health. Care coordinators are reaching out to high-risk members to help ensure they are getting the care they need.
About BlueCross®
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is a taxpaying, not-for-profit health plan serving more than 3.4 million members in Tennessee and around the country. The Chattanooga-based company was founded in 1945 and has brought peace of mind to its members and local communities for more than 75 years. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company’s news center at bcbstnews.com.
About BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized to promote the philanthropic mission of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. It has awarded $120 million in grants since 2005. The foundation provides funding for the BlueCross Healthy Place program, which creates active, healthy spaces across Tennessee.