Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Commits Over $500,000 to Support COVID-19 Relief Efforts in Nevada

Funds are helping to address critical needs of residents who have been affected by the ongoing pandemic

LAS VEGAS--()--Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Nevada and its local foundation have committed more than $500,000 in grants and other support to Nevada organizations on the frontlines of helping communities, families and individuals.

“Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is known for taking action to support the needs of our communities, and we know that our commitment is more critical than ever,” said Lisa Bogard, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Nevada, Medicaid. “We are dedicated to staying engaged through the response and recovery of this current crisis and will continue to serve our state every day to improve lives and bring aid to those in need.”

In light of the COVID-19 health crisis, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has responded with support for emergency efforts to address the increased need for food, essential supplies, protective and medical equipment, human services and educational/technology resources. Anthem’s relief and recovery efforts include:

Food Access: Support for Northern and Southern Nevada food banks to meet increased demand and implement additional social distancing precautions as they continue to serve the community. Food assistance is one of Nevada’s top priorities as the number of food insecure families and individuals continues to rise with the loss of employment and access to school meals.

Children’s Ongoing Education: Funding to support the distribution of thousands of books, provide backpacks with meals and enable Wi-Fi hotspots, so children can continue with their education at home while adhering to social distancing.

Families and Individuals: Monetary donations to organizations that serve people and families who are homeless, victims of domestic violence or underserved minorities. Funds are being used to address a wide range of critical needs from emergency food supplies, housing assistance and educational supports as well as access to anonymous mental health screens, transportation and mobile shower units.

Diapers and Baby Formula: Sponsorships to diaper banks and organizations that serve moms and babies, so they can secure emergency diaper and baby formula supplies. Access to essentials such as diapers and baby formula are critical to avoid negative health impacts that can result from rationing.

“Our proactive collaboration with local and national partners, combined with our insights on drivers of health, informs the action we take to lift up those in need,” said Mike Murphy President, Anthem Blue Cross Blue and Shield Commercial Plans. “We will continue to navigate the challenging times ahead and remain focused on the health and well-being of our members, their families and the communities we serve.”

The Anthem Foundation also continues to work with partners such as the American Red Cross, Americares, Direct Relief and numerous others, to ensure access to emergency assistance for individuals and families, personal protective equipment and training for health workers on the frontlines, and food for kids and families affected by layoffs and school closures across the state. Additionally, during National Volunteer Month in April, the Anthem Foundation doubled its matching contributions to $2 for every $1 donated by its associates, and doubled associate volunteer credits to $20 per hour, which associates can earn and donate to the nonprofit of their choice.

In spite of the challenges of the pandemic, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Nevada associates have already logged more than 265 volunteer hours and raised nearly $15,000 for Nevada charities.

ABOUT ANTHEM BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD NEVADA
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Nevada helps improve health care access and quality for more than 600,000 Nevadans by developing innovative care management programs and services. Anthem’s top priority is the health and well-being of its members and enabling access to comprehensive health care. Through health education and community outreach programs, members are empowered to choose and sustain a healthy lifestyle. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Community Care health Plan of Nevada, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. To learn more, visit www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/anthemBCBS_news or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossBlueShield.

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 commitment to improving lives and communities. Through strategic partnerships and programs, the Foundation addresses the social drivers that will help create a healthier generation of Americans in communities that the company serves. The Foundation focuses its funding on critical initiatives that make up its Healthy Generations Program, a multi-generational initiative that targets: maternal health, diabetes prevention, cancer prevention, heart health and healthy, active lifestyles, behavioral health efforts and programs that benefit people with disabilities. The Foundation also coordinates the company’s year-round Dollars for Dollars program which provides a 100 percent match of associates’ donations, 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. To learn more about the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, please visit http://www.anthem.foundation and its blog at https://medium.com/anthemfoundation.

Contacts

ANTHEM MEDIA:
Denise Malecki, Public Relations Director, Anthem Medicaid
813-399-0364
dionisia.malecki@anthem.com

Mike Bowman, Public Relations Director, Anthem Commercial
916-584-6043
michael.bowman@anthem.com

Release Summary

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield takes action to support critical needs of Nevada communities, families and individuals amid the ongoing pandemic.

Contacts

ANTHEM MEDIA:
Denise Malecki, Public Relations Director, Anthem Medicaid
813-399-0364
dionisia.malecki@anthem.com

Mike Bowman, Public Relations Director, Anthem Commercial
916-584-6043
michael.bowman@anthem.com