The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation supports stronger communities by investing millions in food banks across the state. The support is critical now to meet the needs of communities and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Every day, families count on local food banks for help — and that’s especially true now,” said JD Hickey, MD, chairman of the BlueCross Foundation. “Tennesseans can get through these challenging times by coming together, and we’re expanding our support for food banks statewide as another way to bring peace of mind to our neighbors.”

The BlueCross Foundation distributed food relief funds to the following organizations:

  • $750,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee (Nashville)
  • $750,000 to Mid-South Food Bank (Memphis)
  • $500,000 to Chattanooga Area Food Bank
  • $500,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee (Knoxville)
  • $500,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee (Tri-Cities)
  • $250,000 to Regional Inter-Faith Association (Jackson) 

Supporting social distancing technology, public awareness, and testing

BCBS Tennessee has also invested in technology to increase access to healthcare professionals during social distancing; produced public awareness videos and partnering with minority-owned publications to reach at-risk communities with accurate information about COVID-19, and donated $125,000 to the City of Memphis and Hamilton County for increased testing for uninsured residents. 
 

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.