At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, we strive to promote equity in everything we do, both within our organization and the communities we serve. The desire to help all Minnesotans live their healthiest life drives our associates to address barriers to good health for our members and everyone in the state.

Toward this end, each year, two Blue Cross associates are chosen to receive the Patsy Riley Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion award. This award honors former Blue Cross leader Patsy Riley, whose commitment to equity and inclusion inspires associates today to create healthier communities and make meaningful, actionable change.

The 2021 award winners are Kimberly Bland, restricted recipient support coordinator, and Brad Howard, supervisor for learning design and admin services.

“These two associates exemplify what it means to be passionate about addressing inequities and gaps in health care access,” says Bukata Hayes, vice president for racial and health equity. “Their work is significantly moving our strategic focus on racial and health equity forward. We are proud and thankful for their contributions.

2021 Patsy Riley Award Winner: Kimberly Bland

Congratulations to Kimberly (Kim) Bland, a member of the Blue Cross care management team. Kim co-led the planning committee for the company’s racial and health equity month events in April, a month-long learning opportunity held internally at Blue Cross. In doing this, she worked with racial and health equity leaders internally, locally and nationally, who were asked to share their expertise with our associates.

Kimberly is most proud of the behind-the-scenes work she did for the health equity coach panel— an event that drew a lot of interest from associates who wanted to learn more about how to embed health equity into their work every day.

Kim believes that racial and health equity is "heart work" and is passionate about it because, she says, "I want future generations to live in a more equitable world."

Kimberly also says that she is "beyond thrilled" to be a recipient of the 2021 Patsy Riley Racial and Health Equity Award.

2021 Patsy Riley Award Winner: Brad Howard

Brad Howard’s passion about equity is noticeable both inside and outside of work. He shows this commitment in his supervisor role on the Blue Cross service training team as well as by continually seeking out ways for personal growth.

Brad writes the company’s internal racial and health equity newsletter, which is issued monthly, and built an internal resource site where associates can learn about racial and health equity initiatives, news and how Blue Cross is working with community members to address the root causes of racial and health inequities.

Brad is active in the associate-led racial and health equity book club and is also a health equity coach, where he helps to improve cultural competency within his division.

When asked about his work and the award in general, Brad had this to share.

“I stepped tentatively into this work after the murder of George Floyd and have learned that it is better late than never,” he says. “While I feel there are people more deserving of this award, I am truly honored and hope it inspires others who might be hesitant to get involved.”

Congratulations 2021 winners

Blue Cross is deeply thankful to both Kim and Brad for their exemplary commitments to racial and health equity.

“This is the type of work that truly sets the standard for our individuals can make meaningful impacts in our racial and health equity work,” Bukata says. “Kim and Brad are committed to step up, learn and lead— and by doing so they really are making a difference in this important work.”

History of the award

This award serves to acknowledge outstanding accomplishments of leaders and staff whose efforts foster greater appreciation, advancement and celebration of health equity, diversity, and inclusiveness in the company’s culture and environment.  Patsy Riley, former senior vice president for government markets, was the inaugural recipient of the award. She served on many boards, committees, and work groups dedicated to equity and inclusion. In short, she was a health equity champion.