Our social mission: A collaborative effort with health care providers

As part of its social mission, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan works with health care providers throughout the state to improve the health of our residents and communities. This, in turn, leads to improved health outcomes and lower health care costs.

We do this in many ways. Here are a few examples:

• Working with safety net providers through free and hybrid clinics, as well as Federally Qualified Health Centers, to improve access to care for the uninsured and underinsured
• Working with health care providers to help us develop new social mission initiatives
• Working with health care practitioners through our Building Healthy Communities program, a school-based program designed to prevent childhood obesity, reduce chronic disease and address the mental health and well-being of students and staff
• Working with providers and community leaders through community-based organizations that support patients’ needs, including access to care, addressing food insecurity, behavioral health care and substance use disorders

“All of these initiatives are part of Blue Cross’ social mission, which is focused on increasing access to affordable health care, enhancing the quality of care that patients receive and improving the health of Michigan’s citizens and communities,” said Pam Yager, Blue Cross’ director of Social Mission. “Providers play an important role in our efforts.”

Here's an overview of our social mission initiatives:

Addressing food insecurity: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation recently partnered with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to provide $650,000 in grant funding to support evidence-based, sustainable initiatives that address food and nutrition insecurity to improve health equity through Michigan’s local food systems. As part of the effort, 14 organizations were awarded funds to implement strategies tailored to the local needs and culture within their communities.

For more information, see this MI Blues Perspectives blog.

Building Healthy Communities: Since 2009, 1,100 schools statewide have participated in the Building Healthy Communities program, a public-private school-based initiative that supports children’s health. It provides teachers, administrators and students the resources, curriculum, equipment and professional development to create healthier school environments, prevent childhood obesity, reduce chronic disease, improve academic achievement and address mental health and well-being. It’s expected that the BHC program this school year will serve more than 91,000 students in 212 schools in Michigan.

For more information, see this MI Blues Perspectives blog.

Adolescent Suicide Prevention: Blue Cross, the Michigan Elementary & Middle School Principals Association and Michigan Virtual recently partnered to address the alarming rates of adolescent suicide and provide guidance, resources and supports that can be quickly deployed to schools and communities. The Adolescent Suicide Prevention Series features five courses. These free courses provide school administration and staff with the tools to identify the signs of students who are at risk of suicidal ideation, suicidal gestures or completed suicide. They also offer action steps to prevent and address these concerns. An additional course supports community members by helping them raise awareness of this issue, reduce mental health stigma and provide strategies to foster an important sense of connection and caring.

For more information, see this MI Blues Perspectives blog.

Strengthening the Safety Net grant program: Blue Cross supported 49 Michigan safety net clinics this year, totaling $904,500, to continue providing free or low-cost medical, dental and behavioral health services to uninsured or vulnerable Michigan residents. Since 2005, the Strengthening the Safety Net grant program has awarded more than $17 million to clinics throughout Michigan. Program data shows nearly 59,000 vulnerable residents will be patients of these facilities this year, more than half of whom are uninsured. Safety net clinics are required to provide “patient navigation” as a part of care. Patient navigators are focused on providing patient assistance with obtaining a Healthy Michigan Plan or other coverage, education and assistance with obtaining a COVID-19 vaccine, and referrals to behavioral health care providers and food assistance programs. Those receiving grants were also required to participate in unconscious bias education and encourage staff and volunteers to do so.

For more information, see this MI Blues Perspectives blog.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.