Highmark Announces $725,000 Community Investment to Support Five Organizations’ Health-Focused Initiatives

Latham, N.Y. (September 24, 2024) — Through Highmark Bright Blue Futures charitable giving and community involvement program, Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York today announced a record-breaking $725,000 in Blue Fund grants, supporting five major health-based projects led by local nonprofits across the Capital Region. This marks the highest round of grants in the Blue Fund's seven-year history, demonstrating the organization's unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of the community.

The annual grant program is designed to increase health outcomes and equity in the areas of behavioral health, cardiovascular health, health care workforce development, maternal health, and healthy children. Blue Fund’s total investment in local organizations and initiatives reached $3.7 million this year.

"Highmark's continued investment in the community through Blue Fund reflects our unwavering commitment to building a healthier future for all," said Michael Ball, vice president, community affairs at Highmark Blue Shield. "The exceptional organizations receiving Blue Fund grants this year are on the frontlines of addressing health inequities. We are proud to partner with them, empower their vital work and amplify their impact in the communities we serve."

Today’s announcement was made at Highmark Blue Shield’s Latham offices, where representatives from each of the five organizations, elected officials, community partners and Highmark Blue Shield employees participated in the special ceremony.

Below are the recipients of the 2024 Blue Fund Grants:

1. CEK RN Consulting, Inc. will receive $100,000 to support its Precious One Maternal Program (POMP), which empowers clients to manage their own health, pregnancy, and reproductive health, as well as the health of their child.
2. Maria College's Office of Opportunity Programs will receive $100,000 to focus on healthcare workforce development, specifically for nursing students to ultimately expand from 175 to 225 graduates per year while providing wrap-around services until graduation.
3. Safe Inc. of Schenectady will receive $225,000 to support the McIntosh House in Schenectady, which provides emergency shelter and services to youth between the ages of 16-20. It is the only certified emergency youth shelter that will provide housing for a 16 or 17-year-old parent with a child.
4. Soul Fire Farm Institute, Inc. will receive $100,000 to support its food sovereignty programs, which encompass farmer training for Black and Brown growers, food justice workshops for urban youth, the distribution of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, and the establishment of home gardens for city-dwellers facing food apartheid.
5. Young Men's Christian Association of the Capital District will receive $200,000 to expand the Capital District YMCA's current programs outside of Club facilities and into vulnerable, low-income populations in marginalized communities. This expansion will be achieved by providing a vehicle to mobilize the delivery of our services.

Highmark Blue Shield launched Blue Fund in July 2018, to support organizations and initiatives that work collaboratively to address key health areas and demonstrate enhanced measurable outcomes for the community.

Organizations interested in learning more about Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s corporate giving should visit Highmark Bright Blue Futures | Corporate Giving.