CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Following its long-time practice of helping Tennesseans achieve better health, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee invested $7.7 million in a variety of health initiatives and programs throughout the state in 2010.
“We’re committed to investing in efforts that improve the well-being of our fellow Tennesseans,” said Calvin Anderson, who is senior vice president of corporate affairs for BlueCross and executive director of the Tennessee Health Foundation and Community Trust. “We align our outreach efforts to the vision of a healthy Tennessee, so that all its citizens may know the value of good health.”
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Community Trust and corporate gifts are three major funding outlets BlueCross uses to make its charitable contributions.
In 2010, the Foundation contributed more than $4 million in grants to support causes such as combating childhood obesity, improving patient safety and increasing access to care. One of those causes was the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, to which BlueCross gave a $2.9 million grant. The gift supports development of a patient safety simulation training to give practical training in safety principles to students in allied health fields.
Through the Trust, BlueCross donated more than $500,000 to more than 100 charitable organizations statewide. Funds went to organizations that address disease management, access to care, and prevention and early detection.
Additionally, BlueCross employees across the state spent more than 10,000 hours volunteering in Tennessee communities. From serving on non-profit boards and coordinating community projects to participating in company-sponsored events, the employees worked to advance the health and well-being of Tennessee’s communities and its residents.
To read more information and watch videos on BlueCross’ 2010 community relations efforts, go to www.bcbst.com/about/community/.
About BlueCross
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s mission is to provide its customers and communities with peace of mind through affordable solutions for health and healing, life and living. Founded in 1945, the Chattanooga-based company is focused on reinventing the health plan for its 3 million members in Tennessee and across the country. Through its integrated health management approach, BlueCross provides patient-centric products and services that drive health improvement and positively impact health care quality and value. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.bcbst.com.