Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield donates to 16 non-profits

2022-09-23 22:28:45 By : Ms. Jane Hu

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Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York is donating more than $3 million.

That money is being split up between 16 health-related non-profits, including several that are helping the East Buffalo community affected by the mass shooting in May.

"Funding initiatives that align with our mission through Blue Fund and nonprofit giving, building strong non-profit partnerships, and encouraging our team members to pay it forward whenever possible define our overall commitment to the community," said Michael Ball, vice president of community affairs for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York. "Every day we see the impact of our Blue Fund investments in the community and are proud to invest an additional $3.1 million to help fund these extraordinary nonprofit partners and programs."

One non-profit, Gerard Place, is using the money for its new program to support pregnant women of color. Additionally, the funds will help expand food distribution, renovate a behavioral health center and greatly expand food distribution in East Buffalo.

"You can see, there's supplies that can be furnished with things they may need: diapers, formula, food," Michael Edbauer, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Western and Northeastern NY president, said. "But even more important, some of the counseling and support. Also looking at anyone who's at risk for postpartum depression. So the folks here really have done a tremendous job. They've had over 100 moms come into the facility since it was started last November."