The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, works with organizations throughout Georgia to improve the health of our communities. Through its focus on heart health, cancer prevention, prenatal care, diabetes prevention, active lifestyles and behavioral health, the Foundation is teaming with organizations that are setting the standard when it comes to innovative programs that offer long term solutions.

In Georgia, the Foundation provided nearly $1.7 million in grants during 2016. BCBSGa contributed another $253,650 in additional community support during 2016.

“We know that when our communities are healthy, residents are able to thrive, grow and prosper,” said Jeff Fusile, president of BCBSGa. “We are proud to work with these organizations, dedicated to improving the health of our communities and working to change the lives of so many people throughout the state. Together, we’re one step closer to achieving a healthier future for all.”

From teaching lifesaving skills to increasing cancer screening and helping youth discover that eating healthy and staying active can be fun, the Foundation continues to tackle some of the state’s most complex health issues. A quick look at some of this year’s highlights illustrates how our work with these non-profits is helping to reduce health disparities and empower local community residents to take control of their health:

• American Heart Association trained 8,618 people in Hands-Only CPR through a mobile tour, CPR in School kits and other events, and placed a training kiosk at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America engaged 1,509 youth in healthy, active lifestyles through seven local Triple Play Club grants.

• American Cancer Society provided 797 colorectal cancer screenings and 4,812 interventions through the Family Health Center of Georgia in Atlanta.

• March of Dimes enabled 247 women to participate in Centering Pregnancy prenatal care programs. As a result, a 6.3 percent preterm birth rate was reported, compared to the 9.6 percent U.S. average rate.

• United States Association of Blind Athletes increased physical activity levels among 42 individuals who are blind or visually impaired, through Georgia Blind Sports.

• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and its school nutrition program, Strong 4 Life, trained 1,432 school dietitians and staff members across 795 schools, reaching more than 270,000 students. More than 96 percent of nutrition managers made at least one change to the cafeteria environment, 54 percent reported increase in fruit sales and 38 percent reported increase in vegetable sales.

• HealthMPowers provided more than 1,500 students in 40 schools with training, tools and resources to increase physical activity.

• Camp Kudzu educated 500 overnight youth campers on how to use a glucose monitor, understand how physical activity affects their diabetes, master insulin delivery and understand warning signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

In addition to the support given directly to these organizations, BCBSGA associates volunteered 2,610 hours to benefit countless nonprofits in communities across the state this year, earning $17,100 in the company-sponsored “Dollars for Doers” grants for local agencies. Moreover, during the year-round associate giving program, supported by a Foundation match, associates raised more than $360,000. Also, 22 Georgia associates in need received support from the associate assistance fund, totaling $33,000.