Dana Erickson, President and CEO at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, has been named a 2022 Health Care Hero by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. She is one of 28 health care professionals recognized for their commitment to “putting innovation, care, dedication and compassion to work to improve the human condition.”

Dana was honored for her commitment to realizing a future of health that works for all Minnesotans. She and the other Health Care Heroes were recognized at an awards ceremony held on June 16 in Bloomington.

As a registered nurse and former public health operations leader, Dana has direct insights into the strengths and challenges of the health care system. She is also known for being a strong advocate to increase collaboration across all areas of health, with a focus on creating more seamless experiences and better health outcomes for everyone.

“This wouldn't be possible without the amazing associates we have working for Blue Cross in so many roles,” said Dana in remarks at the Health Care Heroes event. “They all share passion for helping Minnesotans live their healthiest lives.”

“For all of us, it's been a challenging two-plus years navigating the pandemic, and all the challenges that came with it,” she continued. “But we worked hard to make sure our members received the care they needed.”

A key figure in mobilizing COVID-19 vaccinations

From the very start of the pandemic, Dana has been a crucial leader in Blue Cross’ COVID-19 response and vaccination efforts.

In 2021, as part of a White House national initiative to vaccinate 2 million seniors against COVID-19 in 100 days, Dana led a team that established a call center for reaching out to Minnesota seniors and assisting with vaccine appointment scheduling. Another aspect of this work was an initiative by Blue Cross nurses to assist with vaccine distribution at “pop-up” clinics across the Twin Cities, in partnership with North Memorial Health. Dana volunteered to be on the front line with other Blue Cross nurses, providing care alongside her colleagues.

Additionally, Dana supported a campaign to launch a fleet of COVID-19 mobile clinics, which brought vaccines directly to at-risk and hard to reach populations by way of retrofitted Metro Transit buses. Blue Cross volunteers spent weeks traveling to 42 counties, working with community partners to administer more than 7,200 vaccines.  The mobile clinics received local and national recognition, including coverage in The New York Times, and Blue Cross receiving the 2021 Commissioner’s Circle of Excellence Award from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

A focus on at-risk members during the pandemic

Before becoming President and CEO in November 2021, Dana served as senior vice president and president of health service at Blue Cross. In that role, she led the case management team – a group of registered nurses that work directly with members to ensure they are getting the care and assistance they need.

In early 2020, hospitals were quickly filling up with COVID-19 patients. Dana quickly transitioned the entire staff of more than 50 Blue Cross nurses to focus on reaching out to members diagnosed with COVID-19 or at a higher-risk for complications based on health factors like heart disease, cancer and diabetes. The team also took factors like housing stability, food insecurity and other social determinants that can impact overall health, into account.

Under Dana’s leadership, Blue Cross nurses have helped tens of thousands of members with a variety of needs throughout the pandemic. They’ve adjusted treatment plans, scheduled food deliveries during lockdown, helped members use virtual care options and connected those suffering from anxiety and depression with mental health resources.

“I truly believe that leaders cast a shadow,” said Dana. “When we help people and organizations move in the same direction, we can accomplish great things together.”