$25,000 donation will aid American Red Cross efforts
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation has donated $25,000 to support American Red Cross relief efforts in Middle Tennessee following extensive damage from multiple tornadoes over the weekend.
“We are saddened by the devastation last weekend’s tornadoes caused in communities across Middle Tennessee,” said Dalya Qualls White, executive director of the foundation. “Our thoughts are with the communities affected by this disaster, particularly the residents who have lost loved ones. We know recovery will take some time, and we hope this support will help those efforts.”
On Saturday, the region was hit by an estimated 13 tornadoes. An EF-3 storm with 150-mph winds touched down in Clarksville, creating an 11-mile path of destruction, and an EF-2 storm with 125-mph winds caused extensive damage in Madison and Hendersonville. At least six people have been confirmed dead and thousands have been left without power.
“It is because of community partners like the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation that we are able to bring hope and help to our neighbors in these devastated communities,” said Joel Sullivan, regional CEO for the American Red Cross.
Along with the Red Cross, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of affected residents.
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is offering support to members affected by these storms:
- Our plans make sure our members have access to a number of telehealth options for both medical and mental health care. Qualifying plans offer the following telehealth at $0 member cost:
- TeladocTM Health makes PCPs, dermatologists and other specialists available by phone and video.
- Teladoc Health also offers members’ mental health care from psychiatrists, psychologists and in-the-moment tools, including crisis referrals.
- AbleTo offers customizable support for members delivered by licensed therapists, behavioral coaches and motivational coaches.
- Four Blue of Tennessee with Sanitas Medical Center locations are available in the Nashville area for in-person care and telehealth.
Members who need help finding care or using their benefits during this time should call the Member Service number on the back of their Member ID card.
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.