Highmark Invests $825,000 in Six Initiatives Improving Health across the Capital Region

Funding Fuels Innovative Programs Addressing Mental Health, Workforce Shortages, Food Insecurity, and Access to Care

Latham, N.Y. (October 2, 2026) — Highmark Blue Shield is deepening its commitment to the Capital Region with an investment of $825,000 in six community health initiatives through Blue Fund, an initiative of the Highmark Bright Blue Futures charitable giving and community involvement program.

The latest round of funding marks the ninth consecutive year of Blue Fund investments. The grants will support nonprofit organizations and community partners working to improve behavioral health, strengthen maternal health services, advance cardiovascular health, and build the healthcare workforce across the region.

"Improving community health takes collaboration, commitment, and a shared vision for change," said Michael Ball, vice president, Community Affairs, Highmark Blue Shield. "That's why we continue to invest in organizations that are expanding access to care, supporting families, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and addressing the root causes of poor health. Together, we're advancing solutions that create lasting impact and help more individuals and families in the Capital Region live healthier lives."

As part of today's ceremony and announcement, held at Unity House of Troy, a 2026 Highmark Bright Blue Futures Signature Award recipient, Highmark Blue Shield employees also spent the day volunteering.

Below are the recipients of the 2026 Blue Fund Grants:

• Albany Medical Center received a $150,000 grant for Building a Stronger Emergency Medicine Workforce Through Professional Development and Well-Being. This healthcare workforce development initiative will strengthen the emergency medicine workforce through advanced training, mentorship, professional development opportunities, and wellness programs.
• Capital District YMCA received a $100,000 grant for Movement as Medicine: Expanding the Parkinson's Center YMCA Model. Focused on improving health and well-being for individuals living with Parkinson's disease, the project will expand evidence-based wellness, physical activity, support, and care coordination services for individuals living with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers.
• Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York (JFS) received a $200,000 grant to expand and enhance its Decreasing Incidence of Social Isolation and Deterioration through Social Work Care Management initiative. This project will strengthen service coordination, mental health support, and health care advocacy for underserved older adults across New York's Capital Region through intensive, in-person social work care management.
• Trinity Development Alliance Inc. received a $150,000 grant for Maternal and Child Wellness Initiatives. The maternal health project will connect families to prenatal care, infant resources, and wraparound support services that promote healthy outcomes for mothers and children.
• Mountain Top Cares Coalition Inc. received a $125,000 grant for Rural Behavioral Health Access & Recovery Navigation Initiative. Through a behavioral health focus, the initiative will expand peer recovery services and care navigation supports that help individuals access treatment, recovery resources, and essential social services. 
• Northern Rivers Family Services Inc. received a $100,000 grant for Family First: Advancing Behavioral Health Through Systemic Clinical Training. The behavioral health project will train clinicians in family-centered therapeutic approaches that improve outcomes for children, families, and caregivers. 

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 Shield’s corporate giving should visit Highmark Bright Blue Futures | Corporate Giving.