Our Social Impact
2019 Report to the Community
In 2019, we continued to evolve our efforts toward a more sustainable, community-centered, comprehensive health care system throughout Minnesota.
About the Report
This report showcases a summary of our 2019 community and social impact initiatives and how we brought them to life through our strategic mission for the people we serve: Inspire Change. Transform Care. Improve Health.
Investing in the well-being of our communities requires understanding of the external challenges people face and how those challenges affect access to affordable, comprehensive health care. Our approach is built on the dedication of our diverse workforce and driven by our goals toward health equity in three key areas: community, health care and environment. At Blue Cross we believe working together daily to improve the health and livelihood of all Minnesotans is the greatest investment we can make. We are excited to share our achievements in 2019 and provide examples of how our commitment to innovate, collaborate and push forward new opportunities for our members leads to a brighter, healthier future for all.
Our Focus Areas
Our work in these areas demonstrates the purpose and commitment to our strategic vision: Make health care easy to use, more affordable and tangible for all our state's citizens.
Community
All people should have opportunities to live the healthiest lives possible. We target factors to improve health on a community scale.
Health Care
Across all our efforts we are working to bring a balance to health care in Minnesota to ensure our members receive high-quality care at an affordable price.
Environment
Our health, choices and environment are intimately connected. We strive to make the world a cleaner, safer, easier place to live and breathe.
2019 Social Impact
Highlights & Stories
More than $3.25M Awarded in Grants to 23 Nonprofits
Eighteen grants are part of the Healthy Connections program which supports efforts to create safe, welcoming and connected communities across Minnesota
4th Year
as the first health insurance company to earn Yellow Ribbon honors in support of Veterans
$9 Million
given by Center for Prevention to support programs focused on health equity, increasing healthy eating habits and physical activity
Office Supply Donation
For several families in need, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota found a solution to help get kids school ready, while easing the financial burden of buying supplies
444 Pints
of blood collected during our 2019 blood drives
$1.7 Million
received by 700 charitable organizations from associate giving programs and company sponsorships
90 Cents
of every dollar received in premium payments goes directly toward paying for our members' health care
$15.5 Million
given to charitable organizations with 99% of charitable investments staying in Minnesota
An Even Nicer Ride
Those iconic sky-blue bikes have logged a lot of miles since Blue Cross became the title sponsor over a decade ago. In 2019, we provided Free Rides on Earth Day
2.9 Million
Minnesota members and 3,500 associates strong
Warm Hearted Embrace
Crafty associates in our Hearts and Hands group created and collected over 650 colorful winter wear items
500+ Athletes
competed in the MN Senior Games last August in St. Cloud, MN in 19 different competitions
Growing Opportunities for Our Communities
Through our Healthy Together Willmar initiative, in 2019 we awarded $260,000 to 21 community groups as part of a $2 million multi-year commitment
1 Million Miles
pedaled by Nice Ride cyclists on our fleet of 3,000 bikes offsetting 890,411 pounds of carbon from entering the atmosphere
17,300+ Hours
served by 1,665 associates at various charitable organizations making vital connections
Duluth Welcomes The Return of House Calls
To reduce hospital readmissions for Minnesota seniors, we've collaborated with Tabula Rasa Healthcare, to provide in-home pharmacy consultation for seniors
2.4% Reduction
in energy use made possible through capital improvement projects and behavioral changes
Seniors Need to Eat Well to Feel Good
Our Food as Medicine meal delivery service expanded our menu in 2019, serving up tailored fresh foods for individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease
15,000 Visitors
welcomed to our storefronts in 2019. These retail centers offer an accessible space for guests to gather health care resources and insurance information
Looking for more stories of impact?
Check out these social impact posts from our blog.
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead, we are guided by our organization's clear vision: Be the customer's first choice by reinventing ourselves and the system.
At Blue Cross we understand that in order to inspire change, transform care, improve health and serve Minnesotans we need to provide health care that is easy to use, affordable and within reach.
Our social impact is an intentional act of commitment fueled by these goals:
- Support our communities through giving and volunteering
- Improve the health care system by making it more sustainable
- Reduce our carbon footprint by implementing more efficient practices
Be sure to check out the 2019 Social Impact report!
Interested in the report from 2018? Download here.
Check out our annual Social Impact report to see how measurable progress was made throughout Minnesota.
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