Press Releases

    Tuesday, February 20, 2024

    Highmark Blue Shield, Penn State Health, and The World Affairs Council of Harrisburg (WACH) to host "State of Black Health" forum in honor of Black History Month

    Harrisburg, Pa. (February 20, 2024) — In honor of Black History Month, Highmark Blue Shield will host and sponsor a Black health forum, at which physicians and medical experts will share their insights into the roots of pervasive health problems in the Black community.

    This is a part of Highmark’s charitable giving and community involvement program, Highmark Bright Blue Futures, which is committed to increasing access to care and resources to improve health outcomes for all. Reducing health inequities and disparities among targeted populations is a priority for Highmark Bright Blue Futures.

    Panelists Ronnessa Edwards, Dr. Thomas Butler, Dr. Sharee Livingston, and Jim Williams will create discussions on:

    • State of Black Mental Health
    • Access to Transplants
    • Top Issues Facing Black Men and Women
    • Self-Care

    The forum will take place on Wednesday, February 21, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Attendees can join the event in-person at Highmark Blue Shield or virtually by visiting the WACH Facebook page.

    About Highmark Blue Shield
    Highmark Inc., doing business as Highmark Blue Shield, protects Pennsylvania individuals and families with a range of high-quality, affordable and reliable health insurance solutions. As the only Blue Shield licensee in Pennsylvania, Highmark Blue Shield has a long and successful history of delivering remarkable experiences in Southeastern Pennsylvania through the Federal Employee Program. Highmark Blue Shield earned a Brand Excellence Award from the national Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, in recognition of its efforts in building brand strength and providing superior customer service, solid financial performance and enrollment growth. Highmark is also annually recognized as a "Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality" from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, and a "Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion" through the Disability Equality Index® a leading national benchmark established jointly by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN. 

    For more information, contact:

    Emily Kostelnik
    Highmark Health
    412-552-0402
    Emily.Kostelnik@highmarkhealth.org

    Leilyn Perri
    Highmark Inc.
    717-302-4243
    Leilyn.Perri@highmark.com