Blue Shield of California Donates $40 Million to its Foundation

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 21, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Shield of California has made a $40 million contribution to the Blue Shield of California Foundation to support its efforts to help make California the healthiest state and end domestic violence.

The Blue Shield of California Foundation operates as an independent, nonprofit organization, and is funded entirely by contributions from Blue Shield, a not for profit health insurance plan. Blue Shield has contributed more than $500 million in funding to the foundation since 2002.

The foundation is focused on three areas to achieve its mission:

• Breaking the cycle of domestic violence
• Collaborating for healthy communities
• Designing the future of health

"The foundation's work is closely aligned with our own mission to create a health care system that is worthy of our family and friends, and sustainably affordable," said Paul Markovich, president and CEO, Blue Shield. "Together, we are supporting initiatives and programs that improve the health and wellbeing of every California resident, at every stage of life."

In 2018, the foundation awarded 109 grants to improve lives, including:

• SmartAirLA to launch a pilot program with the support of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health that provides Bluetooth-enabled inhalers to Los Angeles children suffering from asthma.
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center to help organizations across California identify and respond to the needs of domestic violence immigrant survivors who are seeking asylum or other form of remedy.

"To realize our shared vision for the future, we must make sure we have systems and institutions that will nourish and sustain the innovative ideas and collaborative approaches that communities are taking on to address some of the most complex issues affecting health," said Peter Long, president and CEO, Blue Shield of California Foundation. "We are grateful for Blue Shield's support and share their commitment to make California the healthiest state in the country."

Considering 80 percent of individual wellbeing is affected by factors outside of the health care system ? such as trauma, housing instability, violence and economic inequality ? the Foundation funds programs and efforts that go beyond clinic walls to help everyone live health, safe and fulfilling lives.

About Blue Shield of California Foundation
Blue Shield of California Foundation is one of the state's largest and most trusted grantmaking organizations. Our mission is to build lasting and equitable solutions that make California the healthiest state and end domestic violence. For more information, visit www.blueshieldcafoundation.org.

About Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California strives to create a health care system worthy of our family and friends that is sustainably affordable. We are a not for profit, independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association with care for four million members, 6,800 employees and more than $20 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in San Francisco, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare health care service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $500 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation since 2002 to have an impact on California communities.

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SOURCE Blue Shield of California