There’s nothing new to Minnesotans about the need to make tough choices. We do it every day. But where tough choices can become commonplace over the last few years, 2022 gave Minnesotans acute financial challenges that were more frequent and, at times, even completely overwhelming.

In June of last year price increases in the US peaked at more than 9.1%. This unusually high inflation resulted in a cost of living crisis, with many families, being forced to choose between healthy eating or seeking needed healthcare. Gas prices spiked in June as well. According to AAA, regular unleaded gas reached its highest recorded average price on June 15^th at $4.76 a gallon—driving up food costs and creating yet another barrier for people without access to healthy and culturally relevant foods.

Exacerbated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, climate change, and the ongoing spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant, inflation undoubtedly put pressure on Minnesotans, and even more so, Black, Indigenous and Minnesotans of color. With this urgent need at the forefront of our minds, Blue Cross, once again, rose to give generously to the community in a myriad of ways. Through funding, grants, sponsorships and associate donations, our financial support of $16.55 million contributed toward a healthier, safer and more just future for all Minnesotans.

The 2022 Report to the Community showcases these efforts through a snapshot of the many success stories and achievements over the past year.

Centering equity, justice and respect

Advancing racial and health equity is key to achieving and sustaining health for all. Embracing it is not only a core value of Blue Cross, but also a key business strategy as well. Our time actively working with the community has provided invaluable insight to the many health challenges Minnesotans face and the solutions needed to overcome those challenges.

In 2022, one highlight of this work in racial and health equity was community funding from the Racial Equity Action Committee for Health (REACH). This committee, made up of diverse Blue Cross associates from across the organization, 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 2022, REACH contributed $5.15 million in funding to 40 community organizations.

Another highlight of this work was the support given by associates as volunteers in the community. In 2022, nearly 14,000 hours were donated by associates to facilitate donation drives, build a playground, reach isolated seniors and more. For example, for two weeks in September, 130 associates volunteered to make a difference for families in need of housing through the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Home Build, and ongoing volunteerism with North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity on the Iron Range.

Tom Noon is a principal financial analyst at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. He reflected on the origin of his volunteerism with the company, "My volunteer journey has run the whole spectrum – from starting as a volunteer to championing volunteerism at Blue Cross to serving on the board for Reading Partners."

As we look back at 2022, it is important to remember that the work to address racial and health inequities in our society is a continuous journey, and there is no clear end point. As an organization we remain deeply committed to listening, learning, and actively working to center equity, justice, and respect in our efforts to pave the way for everyone to achieve their healthiest life.

Snapshot of community impact efforts

Blue Cross supported the community through funding, grants, sponsorships, volunteer time and more throughout 2022. Here are just a few highlights from this important work:

• The Center for Prevention funded 26 community organizations, totaling $6 million, to support health equity, access to healthy foods, and commercial tobacco control.
• $5.15 million was donated to 40 organizations by the Racial Equity Action Committee for Health (REACH).
• 57 grants, totaling $4.4 million, were provided through the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation to support early childhood care and education, safe and welcoming communities, and access to healthcare coverage.
• 14,000 volunteer hours were donated by associates to charitable organizations.
• 600 charitable organizations received a total of nearly $1 million from the annual Blue Cross Community Giving Campaign.
• 534,658 pounds of food distributed or donate to individuals, children and families facing food insecurity through the Center for Prevention’s Health POWER initiative.

Read the full report

To see all that Blue Cross accomplished last year in Minnesota communities, read the 2022 Report to the Community at bluecrossmn.com/socialimpact.