If 2020 proved our collective ability to endure wave after wave of historic challenges, 2021 would prove to be the year we met those challenges with a communal determination. Though new events brought continued hardship in 2021 (e.g., political instability, COVID-19 variants, anti-Asian violence) many challenges felt like a continuation of 2020, which manifested its own toll on our country’s mental health.

In 2020, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota boldly claimed, in the face of unprecedented circumstances, “We can do this!” And we did. What we may have underestimated was our ability to boldly claim, “We can do this, AGAIN!” And not just meet challenges head-on, but exceed expectations along the way.

In the past year, Blue Cross and its associates have mustered the energy, courage and creativity to surpass 2020’s efforts and give even more back to the community. Through funding, grants and sponsorships across the organization, our financial support of $17.7 million exceeded the previous year, and through the generosity of our associates we volunteered 19,290 hours to the community—contributing towards a healthier and more just future for all Minnesotans.

The 2021 Report to the Community showcases these efforts through a snapshot of the many success stories and achievements over the past year.

“I am incredibly proud of our dedicated Blue Cross associates and our numerous community partners who lead this work every day. Together we are working toward the collective goal of all Minnesotans having what they need to live their healthiest lives possible.” — Dana Erickson, President and Chief Executive Officer

Focus on racial and health equity and COVID-19 relief continues

In 2021, Blue Cross continued its focus on advancing racial and health equity in Minnesota and providing community support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The intersection of these two efforts provided several key opportunities throughout the year.

Racial and health equity

Blue Cross has long been committed to creating healthier communities by advancing racial and health equity to enhance the vitality of our state. In 2021, one highlight of this work was donating $5 million to the University of Minnesota to establish the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity. Led by associate professor Dr. Rachel Hardeman, the center will develop education and training on structural racism and health inequities; foster authentic community engagement to address the root causes of racial health inequities and drive action; change the narrative about race and racism to one that does not hold up whiteness as the ideal standard for human beings; and serve as a trusted resource on issues related to racism and health equity.

"Racial and health inequities have existed for centuries in our society and are steeped in the institution of slavery, colonization and systemic racism. At Blue Cross, we know that it’s time for health care institutions to listen, learn and act. We must actively work to address racism and center equity, respect and justice in our efforts to create a healthier future." — Bukata Hayes, Vice President, Racial and Health Equity

Another highlight of our work in racial and health equity was the launch of the Racial Equity Action Committee for Health (REACH). This committee, made up of Blue Cross associates, seeks to invest in community initiatives that mitigate bias and bridge the barriers that cause health inequities while addressing systemic racism in policies and practices. In 2021, REACH contributed to several powerful community initiatives, partnering with organizations and providers on solutions to advance racial and health equity in our state.

COVID-19 relief

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the health inequities faced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) communities in undeniable ways. Decades of systemic racism, lack of access to quality health care, and existing economic and health inequities have left these communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout all stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Blue Cross has worked to increase rates of vaccination through efforts like the Blue Cross and Minnesota Department of Health mobile vaccination bus, provide equitable access to testing, and care for our communities most impacted by health inequities and hit hardest by COVID-19.

Snapshot of community impact efforts

In addition to the efforts of advancing racial and health equity and supporting COVID-19 relief, many other initiatives were supported as well. Here are some of the highlights:

• 37 initiatives were funded by the Center for Prevention, totaling $6 million, to support health equity, access to healthy foods, physical activity and commercial tobacco control
• 61 grants totaling $5 million, through the Blue Cross Foundation supported early childhood programs, safe and welcoming communities, access to coverage and COVID-19 related relief efforts
• 43 housing units were supported in St. Louis County, as well as additional support for housing stability statewide as part of a $450,000 investment
• Antiracist videos created for the ‘Make it your business’ campaign garnered 73,000 views
• 650 charitable organizations received a total of $1.25 million from associate giving programs and company sponsorships

Read the report

To see all that Blue Cross accomplished in Minnesota communities in 2021, read the 2021 Report to the Community here.