Friday, January 10, 2025
Buffalo, N.Y. (January 10, 2025) —Through Highmark Bright Blue Futures charitable giving and involvement program, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield announced that its 2024 community investments totaled a significant $8.3 million to support New York based organizations. This funding supported more than 200 non-profit organizations and initiatives focused on improving community health and economic resilience.
The investment reflects a continued commitment to strengthening the health and well-being of the region. A cornerstone of this effort is Blue Fund, a Highmark Bright Blue Futures program, which invested $6.4 million in major health-based projects last year across the state. These projects address critical health equity and outcomes gaps in behavioral health, cardiovascular health, healthcare workforce development, maternal health, and healthy children, with a specific focus on improving health equity.
"Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is deeply committed to building a healthier community," said Michael Ball, vice president of community affairs for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. "Our annual investments, to over 200 organizations and initiatives, are strategically tackling local health challenges—from current needs to systemic issues—to build a healthier and more resilient future for all in our region.”
Beyond the Blue Fund grants, the total investment includes community partnerships, sponsorships, and significant employee contributions. In 2024, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield employees volunteered nearly 2,000 hours – a remarkable 27% increase from the previous year. Employee volunteer efforts included supporting organizations such as Wreaths Across America, Resurrection Life Food Pantry, and Heart Love & Soul, as well as participation in the Juneteenth and Pride parades, Highmark Bright Blue Futures Goes Pink for breast cancer awareness, Corporate Challenge, and PUNT Walk & Roll.
These significant local investments underscore Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield's dedication to improving overall community health, addressing health disparities, reducing disease prevalence, and promoting health education.
Organizations interested in learning more about Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s corporate giving should visit Highmark Bright Blue Futures | Corporate Giving.
About Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is a trade name of Highmark Western and Northeastern New York Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Since 1936, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. The health plan offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield employs more than 1,400 people and serves as a key economic driver in the region. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield contributes significantly to organizations that strengthen and enrich the health of the community.
For more information, contact
Amber Hartmann
716-208-9534
Amber.Hartmann@highmarkhealth.com
