$50,000 donation will aid Red Cross efforts
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation has donated $50,000 to support American Red Cross relief efforts in areas of the Southeast affected by Hurricane Helene, including northeast Tennessee and western North Carolina.
On Sept. 26, the storm made landfall as a category 4 hurricane in northwest Florida, then began making its way across the South. Torrential rains caused rivers to overflow and dams to fail, causing flash flooding that devastated the towns of Newport and Erwin in Tennessee and the city of Asheville in North Carolina. Portions of Interstate 40 were completely washed away, and many towns in the Appalachians have been cut off due to flooded roadways.
“The effects of Hurricane Helene on our region are deeply saddening,” said Dalya Qualls, executive director of the BlueCross Foundation. “Our thoughts are with our neighbors – including those right here in Tennessee – who have lost so much, including loved ones. We hope our support of the Red Cross aids them as they begin the long process of recovery.”
To date, dozens of people have lost their lives and millions remain without power and communications infrastructure throughout the region.
“Thanks to community partners like the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, we are able to extend our compassion and commitment, bringing hope and support to our neighbors in these affected communities,” said Laura Vaughn, Regional Chief Development Officer for the American Red Cross – Tennessee Region.
Along with the Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state agencies are working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of affected residents. Governor Bill Lee surveyed storm damage and declared a state of emergency in Tennessee.
If you’d like to assist with the Red Cross relief efforts, you can make a monetary donation or schedule an appointment to give blood.
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.