The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation donated $764,378.65 to 256 health-related, non-profit organizations during 2017, according to Marlou Wegener, chief operating officer of the BCBSKS Foundation. The dollars provided funding for a variety of programs focused on improving the health and wellness of Kansans, which is the overarching goal of the BCBSKS Foundation.
The BCBSKS Foundation was incorporated in 2005 to promote the good health of Kansans who live in its 103-county service area (all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte). Through its giving, the BCBSKS Foundation focuses on key health issues that impact the lives of many Kansans. The dollars were given to the 256 organizations to support a variety of programs and initiatives that promote health improvement, community health access and/or health education, healthy behaviors, prevention initiatives or direct health services to the uninsured.
"The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation is proud to provide funding to organizations that are making a difference in the lives of Kansans," Wegener said. "What was appealing about the programs that these grantees put forth is that each sought to have an impact on a large number of Kansans by offering programs in multiple counties. In addition, the programs have the opportunity to have a long-lasting effect by improving the health of Kansans now and for generations to come."
Receiving major grants from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation in 2017 were:
• Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation – This foundation received $30,000 for the 2018 Kansas Mission of Mercy free dental clinic.
• Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters – The organization which matches youth to adult mentors received $30,000 to fund health initiatives programming in 40 Kansas communities.
• Jana's Campaign – Dedicated to raising awareness of domestic abuse and violence in relationships, Jana's Campaign received $25,000 to support the development and implementation of a comprehensive teen relationship violence prevention program in middle and high schools in rural areas of the state.
• American Red Cross – Received $25,000 to provide emergency and disaster relief services in 103 counties in Kansas.
• Kansas Head Start – Received $24,781 in funding for its Parent Health Literacy Program in 11 Kansas counties.
A total of $104,000 was provided for college scholarships for Kansas residents who intend to pursue a health-related career in the state after graduation. Fourteen four-year institutions with bachelor of science in nursing programs each received $5,000 to fund scholarships while 17 community colleges with health-related degrees or certificates each received $2,000 for scholarships.
Community centers that provide services for the uninsured and underinsured shared $98,000 in funding; 21 community mental health centers shared $42,000 while 29 community health clinics shared a total of $56,000.
Easterseals Capper Foundation will use $16,380 in grant funding for a variety of health initiatives aimed at assisting their adult clients. Kansas Children's Service League received a $15,000 grant to fund its statewide primary prevention campaign known as "Period of PURPLE Crying®."
Four organizations each received between $8,000-$10,000 for programs that increase access to care. Central Plains Health Care Partnership received $10,000 to fund its Project Access program, while, Valeo Foundation, Inc., will use its $10,000 grant to fund its Medication Voucher Program for uninsured clients in 17 Kansas counties.
A $10,000 grant to the Kansas Lions Sight Foundation marks the first year of a three-year commitment to cover expenses of the Mobile Screening Unit. The Boy Scouts of America – Jayhawk Area Council will spend its $8,000 grant for its Healthy Habit Hangouts that will be built along the Path to Healthy Habits at the Falley Scout Reservation.
Organizations that benefited from $5,000 grants were All Faith Counseling Center of Atchison, Envision Foundation, Inc., National Kidney Foundation of Kansas, Oral Health Kansas, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Kansas and State of Kansas.
Previously announced grants included $148,757.65 through 154 Healthy Habits for Life grants for school-based programs supporting cardiovascular health, nutrition education and increased physical activity, as well as $70,000 to United Way organizations in Hutchinson, Salina, Topeka and Wichita.
About the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation promotes the good health of Kansans who live in the Foundation’s 103-county service area. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, the largest health insurer in the state, incorporated the Foundation in 2005 as a way to further deepen its commitment to helping all Kansans lead healthier lives, an effort which both entities believe is an essential factor in keeping health care affordable. Through its giving, the Foundation focuses on key health issues that can impact the lives of many Kansans. It funds programs and activities that are, at their core, health-related and in particular, promote health improvement, community health access and/or health education, healthy behaviors, prevention initiatives or direct health services to the uninsured. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Both entities serve all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. For more information on the Foundation, visit bcbsks.com/foundation.