Anthem gives more than $1.5 million community causes in 2013

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 6, 2014) — Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s work to improve health and strengthen local communities continued in 2013, as the company directed more than $1.5 million and hundreds of volunteer hours to health-improving causes, organizations and programs in Kentucky.

“Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is committed to transforming health care with trusted and caring solutions, and that extends directly to our work in communities throughout Kentucky,” said Deb Moessner, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky. “We’re proud to support the organizations and programs that are working to help our friends and neighbors live their healthiest lives possible.”

Through its State Health Index – a compilation of public health measures – and Healthy Generations grant program, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its foundation work to identify the health issues most in need of attention and then direct charitable support and volunteer efforts toward improving those areas.

Major areas of focus for Anthem in 2013 included promoting active lifestyles and working to reduce the devastating impact of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease and lung disease on Kentucky’s children, adults and seniors.

“We’ve been a part of Kentucky for 75 years,” said Moessner. “And while the health care system has changed a lot since then, what hasn’t changed is our commitment to serving our members and improving the health of Kentuckians. Contributions from our eleven hundred Kentucky associates, combined with matching funds from the Anthem Foundation resulted in $254,000 given to health related causes in Kentucky last year.”

Summary of community giving in 2013:

♦ Grants from the Anthem Foundation were awarded to Special Olympics Kentucky, the University of Kentucky Homeplace and American Diabetes Association.

♦ Grants from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s parent company foundation were awarded to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, OASIS Institute, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Disabled Sports USA and the American Red Cross.

♦ Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield also sponsored several community events and organizations last year, including the Kentucky Derby Festival Healthy Lifestyles Showcase, Women 4 Women, Fund for the Arts, Community Health Charities, cancer screenings at the Kentucky State Fair and the YMCA of Central Kentucky