Foundation contributes nearly $900,000 to innovative programs aimed at helping improve the health of Nevadans

January 21, 2016 (Las Vegas) — Everyday countless organizations in Nevada work to improve the health of our communities and empower residents to live healthier lives. Led by a multigenerational focus on heart health, cancer prevention, prenatal care, diabetes prevention and active lifestyles, these organizations not only share Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation’s vision for a healthier future, but they are setting the standard with innovative programs that engage to take charge of their health.

“We know that keeping our local communities healthy requires a dedicated partnership with key organizations,” said Mike Murphy, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada. “We’re proud to commit nearly $900,000 to organizations that offer innovative programs that educate, motivate and encourage Nevada’s residents to lead healthier lives.”

In 2015 Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its foundation teamed with various organizations including the American Lung Association, American Cancer Society and Safe Routes to School National Partnership to bring unique educational programs to the state such as the Fire Up Your Feet program, which encourages physical activity among Clark County School District students. Other Nevada grants included $25,000 to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada to support its efforts to provide fresh produce at mobile food pantry locations.

“As our local communities change and grow so do the diverse needs of our residents,” Murphy said. “What’s not changed is our commitment to serving our members and advancing health in Nevada. It is an honor to work with so many great people and organizations and we look forward to doing so again in the year ahead.”

2015 Summary:
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada Community Commitment

National Grant Programs
Nevada communities benefit from grants made by Anthem’s parent company foundation to national and regional organizations:
· American Cancer Society’s CHANGE program to increase breast, cervical and colorectal cancer education and screenings.
· Boys & Girls Clubs of America Triple Play after-school program to encourage healthy eating and physical fitness for elementary through high school children
· March of Dimes CenteringPregnancy grant to lower the rate of low-birthrate babies born in Nevada.

Nevada Grants
· Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation donated $25,000 to Northern Nevada Food Bank to support its mission of providing healthy, fresh produce at its mobile food pantries

Community Events & Sponsorships
· American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women, Heart Ball and Heart Walk
· Title sponsor of the American Lung Association’s Scale the Strat
· Safe Routes to School to encourage more Clark County School District Students to walk to school or otherwise become more physically active

Associate Volunteerism
Through the company’s Dollars for Doers Program, associates are able to turn their volunteer hours into contributions for the eligible charities which they support. Volunteers contributed hundreds of hours with more than $6,500 earned in Dollars for Doers grants.

Associate Giving
Anthem’s associates’ contributions made through the company’s year-round Associate Giving Program are backed by a 50 percent match from the Anthem Foundation, bringing the total paid out in 2015 to more than $14,600.

The charities in this year’s program were:
· American Cancer Society;
· American Red Cross;
· Community Health Charities;
· Feeding America;
· St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; and
· United Way

ABOUT ANTHEM BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD FOUNDATION
Through charitable grant making, the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation LLC, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, promotes Anthem’s inherent commitment to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families in communities that Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield serves. The Foundation focuses its funding on strategic initiatives that address and provide innovative solutions to health care challenges, as well as promoting the Healthy Generations Program, a multi-generational initiative that targets specific disease states and medical conditions. These include: prenatal care in the first trimester, low birth weight babies, cardiac morbidity rates, long term activities that decrease obesity and increase physical activity, diabetes prevalence in adult populations, adult pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations and smoking cessation. The Foundation also coordinates the company’s Associate Giving program which provides a 50 percent match of associates’ campaign pledges, as well as its Volunteer Time Off and Dollars for Doers community service programs. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.