What began in 2020 as a Blue Cross partnership with Marnita’s Table – a Twin Cities nonprofit dedicated to closing gaps in differences by amplifying the voices of BIPOC communities, LGBTQ+ and others often left unheard in policy and community decision making – has developed into an important cadence of ongoing listening sessions.

Now named the Community Advisory Board (CAB), the group has stayed true to its mission over its four-year evolution.

How it works

CAB connects Blue Cross associates with members, public health professionals, nurses, caregivers, community organizers and others who represent historically marginalized populations throughout the state. The group’s structure enables Blue Cross to engage with the broader community in authentic and collaborative conversations that can help address racial and health inequities.

The primary goal of CAB is to identify and advise Blue Cross on key priority areas and best practices, aimed at impacting inequities in positive ways that can transform the health of communities. This involves ensuring that Blue Cross effectively engages with consumers, caregivers, and community members on issues pertinent to the broader community, with a particular emphasis on access to quality and equitable healthcare, as well as fostering opportunities for community collaboration.

CAB in action

A key focus of CAB is to identify and advise Blue Cross on opportunities to enhance culturally and linguistically appropriate care. By sharing personal stories and insights, these conversations can help to identify and address and systemic bias within the health system – which, in turn, helps to advance and strengthen equity for all individuals and communities.

Who can take part?

CAB board seats are open for Minnesotans, with an emphasis on BIPOC communities and marginalized populations. Coverage with Blue Cross is not a requirement. CAB offers a flexible meeting schedule with board members convening virtually each month.

Members of Blue Cross’ executive leadership team, senior leaders, and board members at the CAB April 2024 meeting

Results thus far

In the four years since its inception, CAB has lent its collective insights and assistance to a number of projects, including:

• Review of Blue Cross’ website language translations for accuracy and cultural relevance
• Development of racial and health equity training for service associates who directly interact with members
• Assisting in the development and distribution of Medicaid redetermination resources and materials to ensure that medically underserved populations were informed of the process

A member of Blue Cross’ digital experience team notes, “I had the opportunity to meet with the CAB group in January to get feedback on our multi-language capabilities on our website. The group included representatives from many different communities across Minnesota. It was helpful to hear directly from native-language speakers about their pros and cons of using our website. They brought insightful ideas and fresh perspectives to the table that we will be able to take back and turn into meaningful action relatively quickly. This connection is another valuable resource that helps us hear from our members on a one-to-one level and positively impacts our work and the member experience.”

Get involved

Joining the board requires an approval vote by the recruiting committee within the existing member group. Readers interested in applying or learning more about CAB can do so by contacting Chris Robert at chris.robert@bluecrossmn.com.