/PRNewswire/ -- As a part of its ongoing work to address childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles in Georgia, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) today announced a three-year, $323,392 grant from its corporate foundation to Boys &Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) which will support the organization's proven health and wellness program, Triple Play, at local Clubs throughout the state.
Created by BGCA in 2005 with founding sponsor Coca-Cola, Triple Play: A Game Plan for the Mind, Body and Soul encourages Club members to eat healthier (mind), become more physically active (body) and increase their ability to engage in healthy relationships (soul). To date, more than one million young people have participated in the program.
"We are truly committed to improving the lives of the people we serve and the health of our communities and Boys & Girls Clubs of America shares that commitment," said Morgan Kendrick, president, BCBSGa. "Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is proud to support the Triple Play program because we know that if we give our kids a healthy start, they can hopefully avoid life-long health issues and spend their time achieving their dreams."
The Georgia-focused funds are part of a $5 million grant from the parent company's Foundation, which will support Triple Play programming in all 50 states and several Triple Play-related initiatives in 2011. These include an attempt to break a physical activity-related Guinness World Record and helping Club families get healthy through the second annual Triple Play Fit Family Challenge.
Boys & Girls Club of America estimates that the grant will benefit more than 1,620 youth throughout Georgia.
"Too many children are not eating smart and getting the proper amount of exercise," said Wayne Moss, senior director, Sports, Fitness & Recreation, BGCA. "Our Triple Play program directly addresses this issue by teaching kids fun ways to stay active, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy habits."
Triple Play is proven to improve lifestyles and behaviors. A two year study of more than 2,000 children ages 9-14 showed that Triple Play succeeded in getting them to exercise more, eat healthier foods and feel better about themselves. The study found that Triple Play kids increased to 90 percent of the federally recommended amount of daily exercise, which is 60 minutes a day for children, while their peers outside the program decreased to 78 percent.
The grant is an important part of BCBSGa's commitment to addressing health disparities and improving public health throughout the state. Through its State Health Index – a compilation of public health measures – the health plan continually works to identify the issues most in need of attention and directs its charitable support and volunteer efforts toward improving health in those areas.
"The State Health Index truly guides and shapes our work throughout Georgia," said Robert McCormack, medical director for BCBSGa. "By tracking our progress year-over-year we are working to make sure that the programs we support and the fine work of our non-profit partners really is improving health."
"The short- and long-term dangers associated with childhood obesity bring special importance to our work with Boys & Girls Club of America. We are excited to partner with our local Clubs to help them to head off one of the country's most pressing health challenges," McCormack continued.
More information about the Triple Play program is available at www.bgca.org/tripleplay.
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Showing posts with label blue cross. Show all posts
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Thursday, February 10, 2011
Friday, December 24, 2010
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia and Its Foundation Contribute More Than $1.25 Million In 2010
/PRNewswire/ -- To address ongoing health disparities and hardships encountered by millions of American families, the men and women of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, (BCBSGA) and its corporate foundation, proudly continued the company's tradition of caring for the people it serves and the health of our communities by contributing $1,279,779 to philanthropic and civic organizations throughout Georgia in 2010.
BCBSGA's community efforts for 2010 were highlighted by a $226,003 contribution from its own employees that supported hundreds of community-based non-profit organizations throughout Georgia. Through its annual Associate Giving Campaign, BCBSGA employees directed their giving to their choice among numerous health-related 501(c)(3) organizations. The funds pledged received a 50 percent match from the parent company's Foundation, increasing the total to $339,004.
"Our associates work hard every day to provide health care benefits to more than 2.5 million people throughout the state," said Morgan Kendrick, president, BCBSGA. "These same associates are also extremely committed to the communities where they live and work, particularly during these challenging economic times. I couldn't be more proud of their efforts to help make a difference for people in need."
In addition to the Associate Giving Campaign, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation funded $750,857 in grants to organizations in Georgia in 2010, including:
American Diabetes Association
Boys & Girls Clubs
Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Grady Memorial Hospital
Health MPowers
March of Dimes
Oasis Institute
One-Sight
YMCA Metro Atlanta
Additional grants were awarded to the following national organizations which will directly benefit Georgia: Foundation for Health Coverage Education, Trustees of Dartmouth College, New England Healthcare Institute, Engleberg Center for Healthcare Reform at Brookings Institute, Center for Medical Technology Policy, American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research and the Pacific Research Institute for Public Policy. In addition to the Foundation grants and generosity of BCBSGA associates, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia's community relations commitments totaled $189,133, including support to the following organizations:
Alzheimer's Association
American Cancer Society
American Diabetes Association
American Heart Association
American Lung Association
Arch Foundation for the State Botanical Garden Ball
Arthritis Foundation
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
Champions for Change
Hosea Feed the Hungry
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
BCBSGA associates are also conducting local projects and contributing to several organizations to provide assistance around the holidays. Projects include:
Adopt-A-Family – Three Adopted Families
Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless Christmas Day Dinner
House of Mercy Food Drive
Operation Gratitude Holiday Packages and Candy Donations
Radio Disney Heritage Holiday Christmas Community Event
Salvation Army Holiday Drive
Second Harvest Food Bank
Toys for Tots Toy Drive
The community contributions by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, and its parent company Foundation total $1,279,779 for 2010.
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BCBSGA's community efforts for 2010 were highlighted by a $226,003 contribution from its own employees that supported hundreds of community-based non-profit organizations throughout Georgia. Through its annual Associate Giving Campaign, BCBSGA employees directed their giving to their choice among numerous health-related 501(c)(3) organizations. The funds pledged received a 50 percent match from the parent company's Foundation, increasing the total to $339,004.
"Our associates work hard every day to provide health care benefits to more than 2.5 million people throughout the state," said Morgan Kendrick, president, BCBSGA. "These same associates are also extremely committed to the communities where they live and work, particularly during these challenging economic times. I couldn't be more proud of their efforts to help make a difference for people in need."
In addition to the Associate Giving Campaign, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation funded $750,857 in grants to organizations in Georgia in 2010, including:
American Diabetes Association
Boys & Girls Clubs
Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Grady Memorial Hospital
Health MPowers
March of Dimes
Oasis Institute
One-Sight
YMCA Metro Atlanta
Additional grants were awarded to the following national organizations which will directly benefit Georgia: Foundation for Health Coverage Education, Trustees of Dartmouth College, New England Healthcare Institute, Engleberg Center for Healthcare Reform at Brookings Institute, Center for Medical Technology Policy, American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research and the Pacific Research Institute for Public Policy. In addition to the Foundation grants and generosity of BCBSGA associates, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia's community relations commitments totaled $189,133, including support to the following organizations:
Alzheimer's Association
American Cancer Society
American Diabetes Association
American Heart Association
American Lung Association
Arch Foundation for the State Botanical Garden Ball
Arthritis Foundation
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
Champions for Change
Hosea Feed the Hungry
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
BCBSGA associates are also conducting local projects and contributing to several organizations to provide assistance around the holidays. Projects include:
Adopt-A-Family – Three Adopted Families
Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless Christmas Day Dinner
House of Mercy Food Drive
Operation Gratitude Holiday Packages and Candy Donations
Radio Disney Heritage Holiday Christmas Community Event
Salvation Army Holiday Drive
Second Harvest Food Bank
Toys for Tots Toy Drive
The community contributions by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, and its parent company Foundation total $1,279,779 for 2010.
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Thursday, June 03, 2010
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation Awards $25,000 to March of Dimes Helping Georgia's Babies Get a Healthy Start in Life
/PRNewswire/ -- Pregnant women in Georgia will receive critical prenatal services and education from the March of Dimes, thanks to a $25,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA)'s Foundation a private, nonprofit organization wholly funded by BCBSGA's parent company's Foundation.
"This grant will help women have healthy babies by educating them about the importance of good health choices," said Joanne Patterson, March of Dimes Programs Committee Chair. "It's important for women who are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant to use this time to educate themselves on how to have a healthy, full-term baby."
The March of Dimes Georgia Chapter will receive $25,000 from the BCBSGA Foundation to fund local sites for Centering Pregnancy- a model of prenatal care that includes three main components (assessment, education and support) in a group setting. One of the local March of Dimes Centering Pregnancy grants will partially fund the Southwest Public Health District's, Due What's Best project in Albany, GA. The Centering Pregnancy grant will expand access to early prenatal care for low income rural African American women.
Centering Pregnancy has proven to help reduce prematurity rates, increase breastfeeding rates and significantly improve patient satisfaction. Group prenatal care encourages pregnant women to adopt healthy behaviors during pregnancy with a focus on nutrition, weight gain, exercise, hygiene, common discomforts of pregnancy, relaxation breathing, breastfeeding, birth plans, contraception, emotional well-being and pediatric care.
"Our work with the March of Dimes is an integral part of our efforts to improve the lives of the people we serve and the health of our communities," said Monye Connolly, president, BCBSGA. "Through the Foundation, we are able to provide support to vital programs like Centering Pregnancy."
More than 540,000 babies are born too soon each year in the United States. Preterm birth costs the nation more than $26 billion annually, according to the Institute of Medicine. It is the leading cause of newborn death, and babies who survive an early birth face the risk of lifelong health problems such as breathing problems, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, vision and hearing loss.
Even babies born just a few weeks too soon (34-36 weeks gestation, also known as late preterm birth) have higher rates of death and disability than full-term babies.
"This program is an important component of BCBSGA's Foundation's goal of increasing the number of women who receive prenatal care in the first trimester, ultimately helping to reduce the number of babies with a low birth weight or that are born preterm," said Janice Hutchings, program director - social responsibility of BCBSGA's parent company's Foundation. "We are pleased to support the March of Dimes to address such critical health issues."
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"This grant will help women have healthy babies by educating them about the importance of good health choices," said Joanne Patterson, March of Dimes Programs Committee Chair. "It's important for women who are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant to use this time to educate themselves on how to have a healthy, full-term baby."
The March of Dimes Georgia Chapter will receive $25,000 from the BCBSGA Foundation to fund local sites for Centering Pregnancy- a model of prenatal care that includes three main components (assessment, education and support) in a group setting. One of the local March of Dimes Centering Pregnancy grants will partially fund the Southwest Public Health District's, Due What's Best project in Albany, GA. The Centering Pregnancy grant will expand access to early prenatal care for low income rural African American women.
Centering Pregnancy has proven to help reduce prematurity rates, increase breastfeeding rates and significantly improve patient satisfaction. Group prenatal care encourages pregnant women to adopt healthy behaviors during pregnancy with a focus on nutrition, weight gain, exercise, hygiene, common discomforts of pregnancy, relaxation breathing, breastfeeding, birth plans, contraception, emotional well-being and pediatric care.
"Our work with the March of Dimes is an integral part of our efforts to improve the lives of the people we serve and the health of our communities," said Monye Connolly, president, BCBSGA. "Through the Foundation, we are able to provide support to vital programs like Centering Pregnancy."
More than 540,000 babies are born too soon each year in the United States. Preterm birth costs the nation more than $26 billion annually, according to the Institute of Medicine. It is the leading cause of newborn death, and babies who survive an early birth face the risk of lifelong health problems such as breathing problems, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, vision and hearing loss.
Even babies born just a few weeks too soon (34-36 weeks gestation, also known as late preterm birth) have higher rates of death and disability than full-term babies.
"This program is an important component of BCBSGA's Foundation's goal of increasing the number of women who receive prenatal care in the first trimester, ultimately helping to reduce the number of babies with a low birth weight or that are born preterm," said Janice Hutchings, program director - social responsibility of BCBSGA's parent company's Foundation. "We are pleased to support the March of Dimes to address such critical health issues."
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Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Associates Volunteer to Help Georgia Organizations During Third Annual Community Service Day
/PRNewswire/ -- More than 300 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) associates and their friends and families joined forces, despite thunderstorms and inclement weather conditions, to participate in the parent company's national Community Service Day. These efforts helped dozens of organizations across the state.
"At BCBSGA we work every day to improve the health of our communities," said Monye Connolly, president of BCBSGA. "Coming together on Community Service Day allows each of us to bring that commitment to life in an everyday way. For the past three years, we have worked with community organizations to collaborate on projects and services that impact each of our communities and we are proud to continue that effort this year."
BCBSGA partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Atlanta (BGCMA) to make the John Harland Boys & Girls Club cleaner, safer and more functional for its members. BGCMA works to provide young people with a safe place to learn and grow, and life-enhancing programs that develop character and offer hope and opportunity. The Club serves young people between the ages of six and 18 years, inspiring them to realize their full potential as healthy, productive and responsible citizens.
Volunteer tasks included:
- planting spring flowers in existing planter benches and butterfly garden
- refreshing large flower beds around the Club with shrubs and spring flowers
- installing landscape timbers around the Club to prevent mulch from washing away
- painting the teen clubhouse and installing new blinds
Coinciding with Points of Light & Hands On Network's National Volunteer Week, BCBSGA's associates participated in many activities, including:
-- Medshare
-- Camp Twin Lakes - Will-a-Way
-- March of Dimes Georgia Chapter - March for Babies (Columbus and
Savannah)
-- A.J. McClung YMCA
-- Twin Cedars Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home
-- Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
-- Golden Harvest Food Bank
-- Rebuilding Macon
-- And many others.
In 2009, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation also granted nearly $364,000 to community organizations in Georgia. In addition, BCBSGA gifted more than $270,000 to civic and charitable organizations through its community relations support.
And through BCBSGA's associate giving campaign, which was matched at 50 percent by the parent company's foundation, BCBSGA associates pledged more than $226,002 to help non profit organizations throughout the state in 2009.
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"At BCBSGA we work every day to improve the health of our communities," said Monye Connolly, president of BCBSGA. "Coming together on Community Service Day allows each of us to bring that commitment to life in an everyday way. For the past three years, we have worked with community organizations to collaborate on projects and services that impact each of our communities and we are proud to continue that effort this year."
BCBSGA partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Atlanta (BGCMA) to make the John Harland Boys & Girls Club cleaner, safer and more functional for its members. BGCMA works to provide young people with a safe place to learn and grow, and life-enhancing programs that develop character and offer hope and opportunity. The Club serves young people between the ages of six and 18 years, inspiring them to realize their full potential as healthy, productive and responsible citizens.
Volunteer tasks included:
- planting spring flowers in existing planter benches and butterfly garden
- refreshing large flower beds around the Club with shrubs and spring flowers
- installing landscape timbers around the Club to prevent mulch from washing away
- painting the teen clubhouse and installing new blinds
Coinciding with Points of Light & Hands On Network's National Volunteer Week, BCBSGA's associates participated in many activities, including:
-- Medshare
-- Camp Twin Lakes - Will-a-Way
-- March of Dimes Georgia Chapter - March for Babies (Columbus and
Savannah)
-- A.J. McClung YMCA
-- Twin Cedars Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home
-- Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
-- Golden Harvest Food Bank
-- Rebuilding Macon
-- And many others.
In 2009, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation also granted nearly $364,000 to community organizations in Georgia. In addition, BCBSGA gifted more than $270,000 to civic and charitable organizations through its community relations support.
And through BCBSGA's associate giving campaign, which was matched at 50 percent by the parent company's foundation, BCBSGA associates pledged more than $226,002 to help non profit organizations throughout the state in 2009.
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation Donates $25,000 to Red Cross for Flood Relief Efforts in Georgia
/PRNewswire/ -- The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation LLC has donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross for the Georgia Flood Relief Effort.
Strong storms and continued rains in Georgia have caused widespread flooding and damage throughout metro Atlanta and its surrounding areas - with more than 17 of its counties declared 'disaster areas,' including Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker. Staff from the American Red Cross has been working relentlessly in all the affected counties, providing assistance to those impacted by the storms.
"Our hearts and thoughts go out to those affected by the storms and flooding," said Monye Connolly, president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia. "These victims are our friends, family and neighbors. Our Foundation is pleased to be able to provide this donation to help them get back on their feet, and we thank the Red Cross for all they are doing for our communities."
The funds will be used by the Red Cross to provide support and assistance to victims of the storms including: food, shelter and clothing; home clean up assistance; temporary housing; emergency medical assistance, such as prescription medication replacement, and help with eyeglass, denture, hearing aid replacement; and mental health services.
"We thank the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation for their generous donation which will greatly assist our Georgia Flood Relief Effort," said Tim English, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross, Metro Atlanta Chapter. "When disasters strike the generosity of donors and volunteers can make all the difference. I am pleased to count the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation as a leader in our relief effort."
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Strong storms and continued rains in Georgia have caused widespread flooding and damage throughout metro Atlanta and its surrounding areas - with more than 17 of its counties declared 'disaster areas,' including Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker. Staff from the American Red Cross has been working relentlessly in all the affected counties, providing assistance to those impacted by the storms.
"Our hearts and thoughts go out to those affected by the storms and flooding," said Monye Connolly, president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia. "These victims are our friends, family and neighbors. Our Foundation is pleased to be able to provide this donation to help them get back on their feet, and we thank the Red Cross for all they are doing for our communities."
The funds will be used by the Red Cross to provide support and assistance to victims of the storms including: food, shelter and clothing; home clean up assistance; temporary housing; emergency medical assistance, such as prescription medication replacement, and help with eyeglass, denture, hearing aid replacement; and mental health services.
"We thank the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation for their generous donation which will greatly assist our Georgia Flood Relief Effort," said Tim English, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross, Metro Atlanta Chapter. "When disasters strike the generosity of donors and volunteers can make all the difference. I am pleased to count the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation as a leader in our relief effort."
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Thursday, October 01, 2009
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Donates $10,000 to Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless for Flood Relief Efforts in Georgia
/PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) today announced it is donating $10,000 to Hosea Feed the Hungry (HFTH) for the Georgia Flood Relief Effort. In addition, BCBSGA associates are collecting canned goods throughout the week to provide immediate support to families who have been either temporarily or permanently displaced from their homes.
Strong rains over the course of the past week in Georgia have caused widespread flooding and damage, leaving many families without even the most basic of essentials. HFTH's staff has been actively packaging and dispensing boxes of food items and hygiene kits to individuals and families in need throughout the metro Atlanta area and its surrounding counties.
"Our hearts go out to those affected by the storms and resulting flooding," said Monye Connolly, president of BCBSGA. "As a company, we are committed to making a difference in our communities, but as individuals, we have a responsibility to help others in need be they friends, family or complete strangers. BCBSGA and its associates are pleased to provide support to HFTH and all it does for the community, not only during times of disaster, but year-round."
The funds will be used for disaster relief as well as for direct services and intensive case management for the clients HFTH currently serves, many who are also flood victims. HFTH will be celebrating its 40th year of helping the working poor and others as it kicks off the upcoming holiday season - from its annual Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday and Easter feasts, serving thousands of hungry Atlantans, to its daily dispensation of goods and human services to the needy in the Southeast and around the world.
"The recent storms have exacerbated an already critical situation because of the economy, and BCBSGA's support of HFTH and within the Atlanta community speaks volumes to its charitable giving," said HFTH's executive director, Elisabeth Omilami. "HFTH's financial contributions are down 35 percent, while calls for help from the community have increased 45 percent. The generosity of donors and volunteers can make all the difference during this critical time, and I am thrilled to have the continued support of BCBSGA and its associates in our relief efforts."
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Strong rains over the course of the past week in Georgia have caused widespread flooding and damage, leaving many families without even the most basic of essentials. HFTH's staff has been actively packaging and dispensing boxes of food items and hygiene kits to individuals and families in need throughout the metro Atlanta area and its surrounding counties.
"Our hearts go out to those affected by the storms and resulting flooding," said Monye Connolly, president of BCBSGA. "As a company, we are committed to making a difference in our communities, but as individuals, we have a responsibility to help others in need be they friends, family or complete strangers. BCBSGA and its associates are pleased to provide support to HFTH and all it does for the community, not only during times of disaster, but year-round."
The funds will be used for disaster relief as well as for direct services and intensive case management for the clients HFTH currently serves, many who are also flood victims. HFTH will be celebrating its 40th year of helping the working poor and others as it kicks off the upcoming holiday season - from its annual Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday and Easter feasts, serving thousands of hungry Atlantans, to its daily dispensation of goods and human services to the needy in the Southeast and around the world.
"The recent storms have exacerbated an already critical situation because of the economy, and BCBSGA's support of HFTH and within the Atlanta community speaks volumes to its charitable giving," said HFTH's executive director, Elisabeth Omilami. "HFTH's financial contributions are down 35 percent, while calls for help from the community have increased 45 percent. The generosity of donors and volunteers can make all the difference during this critical time, and I am thrilled to have the continued support of BCBSGA and its associates in our relief efforts."
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Friday, September 04, 2009
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Offers The Healing Book to Help Young Life Insurance Beneficiaries Cope with Losing a Loved One
/PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia kicks off Life Insurance Awareness Month by enhancing the support services already available to its group life insurance beneficiaries by offering a new book to help children who are affected by the loss of a loved one - The Healing Book: Facing the Death and Celebrating the Life of Someone You Love (written by Ellen Sabin and published by Watering Can Press).
The Healing Book is a resource that helps children and families express their feelings, ask questions and explore their memories when someone they love has died. It is an activity book, journal and conversation-starter that children can personalize and use in whatever way that best meets their needs during the grieving and remembering process.
"When a loved one dies, it is usually a very difficult time for everyone in the family, especially for children. Therefore, we are glad to offer this helpful book to beneficiaries," said Tom Foran, staff vice president, Product Management/Business Development, Life and Disability. "We want family members to think of us as providing more than a check to them during this challenging time. We want them to see us as a source that offers them valuable tools including grief counseling, legal and financial consultation and other services. We believe The Healing Book is a great complement to the resources we offer to those who are grieving."
Beneficiaries can go to resourceadvisor.anthem.com to order a free copy of this book for their children. In addition, beneficiaries can order free copies for a grandchild, niece or nephew, or a close friend.
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The Healing Book is a resource that helps children and families express their feelings, ask questions and explore their memories when someone they love has died. It is an activity book, journal and conversation-starter that children can personalize and use in whatever way that best meets their needs during the grieving and remembering process.
"When a loved one dies, it is usually a very difficult time for everyone in the family, especially for children. Therefore, we are glad to offer this helpful book to beneficiaries," said Tom Foran, staff vice president, Product Management/Business Development, Life and Disability. "We want family members to think of us as providing more than a check to them during this challenging time. We want them to see us as a source that offers them valuable tools including grief counseling, legal and financial consultation and other services. We believe The Healing Book is a great complement to the resources we offer to those who are grieving."
Beneficiaries can go to resourceadvisor.anthem.com to order a free copy of this book for their children. In addition, beneficiaries can order free copies for a grandchild, niece or nephew, or a close friend.
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Thursday, August 27, 2009
Celebrity Link to Type 1 Diabetes Further Connects the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Georgia Chapter and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Georgia
/PRNewswire/ -- For Laura Putnam and her children, this past Saturday night will be one to remember for a very long time. Thanks to the efforts of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA), a family from Columbus, GA had a brush with fame - an in-person meet-and-greet with the Jonas Brothers in Atlanta.
Putnam, a BCBSGA employee with two of her three children (Tommy, 11 and Lauren, 14) diagnosed and living with type 1 diabetes, was chosen as the on-site JDRF Ambassador family for BCBSGA's efforts supporting the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes at Centennial Olympic Park on Oct. 17. When JDRF heard about the family's love for the Jonas Brothers, they went to work, securing them four tickets and a special chance to meet their idol, Nick Jonas, who is an active spokesperson for JDRF as he too is diagnosed and living with type 1 diabetes.
"The JDRF organization and BCBSGA have been there for us during our family's most difficult moments," said Laura Putnam. "Being able to attend the Jonas Brothers concert and meet them in person was an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime gift for my children. Nick Jonas is so open about his diabetes and is such a role model for my kids - he encourages all children to be dedicated to their health, openly pursue their dreams and never let anything slow them down."
"JDRF is immensely appreciative of BCBSGA's continued participation," said Clanci Jordan, Executive Director. "This is corporate citizenship at its finest. BCBSGA's commitment enables us to accelerate research to find a cure for diabetes. Insulin is not a cure, merely life support for the estimated 3 million Americans suffering from type 1 diabetes and its complications. Research is the only answer."
More than 7,000 walkers representing local corporations, families, schools and other organizations are expected to participate in JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes in Atlanta, where there will be live music, Moon Bounces, and a variety of food and entertainment. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m. and the entire walk is approximately three miles long. The fundraising goal of the Walk is to realize more than $2 million for research to find a cure for diabetes and its complications. Local JDRF Walk Sponsors include: BCBSGA, Cisco, AT&T, Melvin S. Roos & Co., InterContinental Hotels Group and Delta Airlines.
"At BCBSGA, we choose to align with organizations that support our core health initiatives and have a track record for delivering on their promises, which ultimately result in a measurable affect on the community - JDRF does this and so much more," said Monye Connolly, President, BCBSGA. "It is our mission to have a direct impact on the well-being of the customers we serve and the overall health of our communities."
The Columbus walk on Oct. 3 will be host to approximately 1,000 walkers and is expected to raise $120,000. This year two new walks have been added in Georgia: a North Metro Atlanta Walk in the Johns Creek area will take place Oct. 4 and is anticipated to have 3,000 walkers raising $350,000; and in Augusta a new site will be host to the walk on Nov. 7.
In addition to wide-spread corporate support, entire families from kids to grandparents take part in the fundraising efforts of the Walk to Cure Diabetes - many are affected, but even those who are not among the 14 million Americans with a personal connection to type 1 diabetes participate. Currently, there are approximately 500,000 Georgians living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
The celebrity connection doesn't stop with Nick Jonas, actor Kevin Kline is the National Chair of JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes. Mr. Kline has been a celebrity JDRF advocate for the past four years.
"Those of us who are blessed with good health must do all we can to help support the research community in their search for a cure for juvenile diabetes," said Kevin Kline. "The daily regimen of finger pricks and injections of insulin, combined with the constant dread of complications, are burdens that no child should have to endure."
JDRF Walks are held in more than 200 cities worldwide. Nearly 500,000 people nationally walked last year and raised $94 million to cure diabetes.
JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes National Corporate Partners include: Advance Auto Parts, Albertsons, Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., Discover Financial Services, Ford Motor Company, Fresh Market, Lifescan, Marshalls, Old Orchard, UBS, Turner and Walgreens. Unite to Cure Diabetes partners are: Delta Air Lines, and Medtronic MiniMed.
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Putnam, a BCBSGA employee with two of her three children (Tommy, 11 and Lauren, 14) diagnosed and living with type 1 diabetes, was chosen as the on-site JDRF Ambassador family for BCBSGA's efforts supporting the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes at Centennial Olympic Park on Oct. 17. When JDRF heard about the family's love for the Jonas Brothers, they went to work, securing them four tickets and a special chance to meet their idol, Nick Jonas, who is an active spokesperson for JDRF as he too is diagnosed and living with type 1 diabetes.
"The JDRF organization and BCBSGA have been there for us during our family's most difficult moments," said Laura Putnam. "Being able to attend the Jonas Brothers concert and meet them in person was an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime gift for my children. Nick Jonas is so open about his diabetes and is such a role model for my kids - he encourages all children to be dedicated to their health, openly pursue their dreams and never let anything slow them down."
"JDRF is immensely appreciative of BCBSGA's continued participation," said Clanci Jordan, Executive Director. "This is corporate citizenship at its finest. BCBSGA's commitment enables us to accelerate research to find a cure for diabetes. Insulin is not a cure, merely life support for the estimated 3 million Americans suffering from type 1 diabetes and its complications. Research is the only answer."
More than 7,000 walkers representing local corporations, families, schools and other organizations are expected to participate in JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes in Atlanta, where there will be live music, Moon Bounces, and a variety of food and entertainment. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m. and the entire walk is approximately three miles long. The fundraising goal of the Walk is to realize more than $2 million for research to find a cure for diabetes and its complications. Local JDRF Walk Sponsors include: BCBSGA, Cisco, AT&T, Melvin S. Roos & Co., InterContinental Hotels Group and Delta Airlines.
"At BCBSGA, we choose to align with organizations that support our core health initiatives and have a track record for delivering on their promises, which ultimately result in a measurable affect on the community - JDRF does this and so much more," said Monye Connolly, President, BCBSGA. "It is our mission to have a direct impact on the well-being of the customers we serve and the overall health of our communities."
The Columbus walk on Oct. 3 will be host to approximately 1,000 walkers and is expected to raise $120,000. This year two new walks have been added in Georgia: a North Metro Atlanta Walk in the Johns Creek area will take place Oct. 4 and is anticipated to have 3,000 walkers raising $350,000; and in Augusta a new site will be host to the walk on Nov. 7.
In addition to wide-spread corporate support, entire families from kids to grandparents take part in the fundraising efforts of the Walk to Cure Diabetes - many are affected, but even those who are not among the 14 million Americans with a personal connection to type 1 diabetes participate. Currently, there are approximately 500,000 Georgians living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
The celebrity connection doesn't stop with Nick Jonas, actor Kevin Kline is the National Chair of JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes. Mr. Kline has been a celebrity JDRF advocate for the past four years.
"Those of us who are blessed with good health must do all we can to help support the research community in their search for a cure for juvenile diabetes," said Kevin Kline. "The daily regimen of finger pricks and injections of insulin, combined with the constant dread of complications, are burdens that no child should have to endure."
JDRF Walks are held in more than 200 cities worldwide. Nearly 500,000 people nationally walked last year and raised $94 million to cure diabetes.
JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes National Corporate Partners include: Advance Auto Parts, Albertsons, Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., Discover Financial Services, Ford Motor Company, Fresh Market, Lifescan, Marshalls, Old Orchard, UBS, Turner and Walgreens. Unite to Cure Diabetes partners are: Delta Air Lines, and Medtronic MiniMed.
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Monday, December 08, 2008
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Associates Pledge More Than $1.3 Million to Community Organizations
/PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) today announced that its associates have pledged more than $1.3 million to support more than 996 not-for-profit organizations in 2009 as part of the company's annual Associate Giving Campaign. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation will match 50 percent of associate pledges, increasing the total to more than $2 million.
"Every day our associates work to bring value to the health care system and our health plans' members. The generosity shown during this year's associate giving campaign is truly remarkable," said Monye Connolly, president and general manager, BCBSGa. "In these challenging economic times, our associates continued to exceed all expectations and surpassed our company-wide goal."
Nationwide, associates of BCBSGa's parent company pledged more than $16 million to nearly 10,000 charities.
During 2008, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, its associates and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation provided more than $3.6 million in grants and sponsorships to agencies across the state. Recipients include the March of Dimes (giving support to the South Health District/Lowndes County Board of Health's Baby LUV program), the Fragile Kids Foundation (supporting medically fragile children in need of equipment not covered by insurance and Medicaid programs), the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (sponsored Atlanta and Columbus walks in conjunction with associate fundraising), HealthMPowers (provides comprehensive health and nutrition educational programs to schools throughout Georgia), the CoverMe Foundation (providing the uninsured greater access to enrollment opportunities in Federal and State sponsored free and low-cost healthcare coverage programs), the Tour de Georgia (stressing the importance of exercise and movement in the battle against obesity), and many others.
"BCBSGa's community agencies serve as a vital public safety net," noted Connolly. "In difficult economic times like this, the role of these agencies is more important than ever before."
"Through the efforts of our foundations across the country we can help address local health concerns," said Caroline 'Caz' Matthews, president of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation. "But we go beyond simply providing dollars by giving of our time through our national Community Service Day, where associates volunteer in our communities to have an even greater impact. In the end, our focus allows us to have a measurable and sustainable impact on critical health care needs in the communities we serve."
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"Every day our associates work to bring value to the health care system and our health plans' members. The generosity shown during this year's associate giving campaign is truly remarkable," said Monye Connolly, president and general manager, BCBSGa. "In these challenging economic times, our associates continued to exceed all expectations and surpassed our company-wide goal."
Nationwide, associates of BCBSGa's parent company pledged more than $16 million to nearly 10,000 charities.
During 2008, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, its associates and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation provided more than $3.6 million in grants and sponsorships to agencies across the state. Recipients include the March of Dimes (giving support to the South Health District/Lowndes County Board of Health's Baby LUV program), the Fragile Kids Foundation (supporting medically fragile children in need of equipment not covered by insurance and Medicaid programs), the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (sponsored Atlanta and Columbus walks in conjunction with associate fundraising), HealthMPowers (provides comprehensive health and nutrition educational programs to schools throughout Georgia), the CoverMe Foundation (providing the uninsured greater access to enrollment opportunities in Federal and State sponsored free and low-cost healthcare coverage programs), the Tour de Georgia (stressing the importance of exercise and movement in the battle against obesity), and many others.
"BCBSGa's community agencies serve as a vital public safety net," noted Connolly. "In difficult economic times like this, the role of these agencies is more important than ever before."
"Through the efforts of our foundations across the country we can help address local health concerns," said Caroline 'Caz' Matthews, president of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation. "But we go beyond simply providing dollars by giving of our time through our national Community Service Day, where associates volunteer in our communities to have an even greater impact. In the end, our focus allows us to have a measurable and sustainable impact on critical health care needs in the communities we serve."
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