Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has announced that it will refocus its community involvement and charity efforts in four areas: Healthy child development, education enrichment, healthy environments and family nutrition and sustainable healthcare.
Officials from organizations like the United Way, Special Olympics, Room to Grow, Cradles to Crayons and Horizons for Homeless Children gathered with approximately 150 other community members in Boston to take part in this week's announcement.
"After reviewing our community involvement and discussing it with company executives and employees on all levels, as well as a cross section of community leaders, we identified four focus areas that align with our company vision," said Jeff Bellows, senior director of community relations at BCBSMA. "We will work collaboratively with our partners to improve the health and well-being of Massachusetts' residents, the environment and healthcare system of the state."
The announcement provides a guideline for BCBSMA leaders and employees to focus their charitable efforts through donations, volunteering and service on boards of directors. It also prompts them to consider whether they make an impact in these areas:
- Healthy Child Development – support for organizations that provide children with the resources needed to grow, learn and achieve.
- Education Enrichment – partnerships with programs that help young people become engaged learners, scholars and leaders.
- Healthy Environments and Family Nutrition – partnerships with organizations that foster safe neighborhoods and encourage/increase community access to healthy produce, green spaces and outdoor recreational activities.
- Sustainable Healthcare System – support for organizations focused on building a system that brings high-quality, affordable healthcare to the entire community.
BCBSMA President and CEO Andrew Dreyfus highlighted the contributions that company employees have made to community organizations in the past year.
"Last year, our employees donated $7.5 million through community work and contributions to local charities, volunteered a total of 14,700 hours at different charitable organizations and assisted with 160 volunteer projects statewide," he said. "This work will continue."
"BCBSMA's revitalized priorities coincide with our goals of improving education, helping residents achieve financial stability and promoting healthy lives," noted the United Way's Mike Durkin. "We look forward to a collaborative process of defining clear goals to better meet the needs of the commonwealth."