2018 Community Report — Introduction (Section 1)

2018 COMMUNITY REPORT

Improving the Health of Rhode Islanders

As a local, nonprofit organization, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is dedicated to passionately leading a state of health and well-being across Rhode Island. Our passion inspires our work every day, including how we give back to our community.

Through our BlueAngel Community Investment Program, we partner with results-oriented nonprofits to address critical health issues facing Rhode Islanders—from our signature efforts combating childhood obesity to eliminating healthcare disparities and strengthening the safety net for the uninsured. We’re grateful to our many community partners and our engaged employees for all they do to improve the lives of their friends and neighbors. Together, we are making a difference.

This report highlights some of our accomplishments from 2018.

"Our vision—to passionately lead a state of health and well-being across Rhode Island—captures the essence of who we are as a company and reinforces our deeply local roots. We're more than a traditional payer. Every year, we strive to do more, give more, and make a greater impact."

—Kim A. Keck, President and CEO, BCBSRI

2018 Community Investment by the Numbers

184
Organizations supported through in-kind donations, volunteerism, or financial support

10,852
Volunteer hours served

$261,985
Value of volunteer hours*

$126,000
Generated by employee fundraising

$1,316,595
Invested by the company through financial or in-kind donations

*Source: Independent Sector

2018 Community Report — Healthy Kids (Section 2)

HEALTHY
KIDS

To help Rhode Island children and their families thrive, we support programs that build healthy habits for a lifetime.

Our investments focus on addressing childhood obesity through nutrition and physical activity.

BLUEANGEL COMMUNITY HEALTH GRANTS

For the past five years, BCBSRI has been investing in Rhode Island’s future through the BlueAngel Community Health Grant program.

^$252,000 awarded in grants in 2018

10,565 Rhode Island children and family members impacted

2018
grant recipients

Children’s Friend

1,750 pre-K students and their families received nutrition education and increased access to healthy foods at 12 Head Start sites

Local Initiatives Support Corporation

270 children benefited from five creative play spaces in early learning centers located around Rhode Island

YMCA of PawTucket

273 children had access to healthy foods through the expansion of the YMCA’s nutritious meal program this past academic year

YWCA Rhode Island

42 girls of color learned the foundational skills of all sports by attending a RunJumpThrow™ summer camp learning program

These organizations received a second year of funding in 2018 to continue their important work.

Girls on the Run Rhode Island

NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley

Progreso Latino

Rhode Island Public Health Institute

Woonsocket Head Start Child Development Association

MAKING RECESS ROCK IN RI

The goal of #RecessRocksinRI is to change school culture, increase physical activity, and improve the health of children through safe, fun, and healthy play at school every day.

This collaboration—among BCBSRI, Playworks New England, and the Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition—expanded in 2018 to 55 elementary schools in 21 Rhode Island school districts, positively impacting more than 21,000 students.

Find out if your child’s school participates

"Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is a core partner in #RecessRocksinRI, which increases physical activity in elementary schools and teaches kids core life skills, like conflict resolution and teamwork. It is a game changer for children and has reached over 20,000 students. Without BCBSRI, this would not be possible."

—Jonathan Gay, Executive Director, Playworks New England

21,500

students

353

educators

55

schools

POWERING UP PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Since 2014, BCBSRI has been proud to support the important work of the Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition.

In addition to partnering on #RecessRocksinRI, we also collaborated in 2018 to bring interactive workshops on PowerUp P.E.—a set of evidence-based training materials and resources—to elementary school physical education teachers in six school districts.

"We are enormously grateful to BCBSRI for their investment in healthy schools, places where all children and youth have equal access to learning and practicing healthy behaviors. When policies, practices, and programs are put in place to support healthy school environments, students can grow to be healthy and successful adults. And thanks to BCBSRI’s support, RI Healthy Schools Coalition is able to engage local school communities and provide guidance, resources, and program partnerships such as #RecessRocksinRI and FIT Club that bring about the healthy culture change BCBSRI is committed to."

—Karin Wetherill, Co-Director, RI Healthy Schools Coalition

STUDYING THE ISSUE OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

As we work to encourage a healthy weight in the next generation of Rhode Islanders, it’s important that the state has accurate data on children’s body mass index (BMI)—the ratio of weight to height.

Since 2015, BCBSRI’s funding of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT has been focused on working with stakeholders on potential BMI data collection strategies. In August 2018, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT and their partners concluded a study that brought together BMI data and obesity-related clinical claims codes from across the state. The new data will be publicly released by Rhode Island KIDS COUNT in 2019.

Partners in the BMI study

State Innovation Model Steering Committee
Department of Health
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner
Rhode Island Quality Institute
Brown University’s Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute

2018 Community Report — Access to Care (Section 3)

ACCESS
TO CARE

An estimated 40,000 to 50,000 Rhode Islanders live without access to healthcare.

To strengthen the state’s safety net, BCBSRI continues to fund free and low-cost services to the uninsured and underinsured.

PROTECTING THE WELL-BEING OF THE UNINSURED

For more than a decade, BCBSRI has been supporting the important work of the Rhode Island Free Clinic (RIFC). In 2018, we awarded them a $75,000 grant to support their services to the uninsured, including primary care, specialty care, lab tests, and other medical care. RIFC was able to offer dental services for the first time.

The funding also allowed RIFC to continue wellness programs such as diabetes education, nutrition counseling, fitness, and physical therapy.

2,350 uninsured Rhode Islanders received services at RIFC in 2018

BRIDGING THE GAP

We were proud to continue our support of Clínica Esperanza/Hope Clinic, which serves a population of predominantly Spanish-speaking uninsured patients.

Through their Bridging the Gap program, they are helping patients with health disparities who are gradually transitioning to insured care through the Affordable Care Act. The program helps patients improve their health and become partners in their own healthcare.

1,496 patients were helped through Bridging the Gap in 2018

HELPING OUR COMMUNITY BE HEALTHIER

BCBSRI hosted free wellness programs and screenings at nonprofit partners across Rhode Island to help our community members take care of their health. Nearly a quarter of the participants were uninsured.

78 wellness programs and screenings

850 Rhode Islanders assisted by these programs

GIVING FREE DENTAL CARE TO THOSE IN NEED

In the course of two days last September, the Rhode Island Mission of Mercy provided free dental services to the uninsured, underinsured, or anyone who cannot access dental care. BCBSRI supported this Rhode Island Oral Health Foundation event with $16,000 in funding as well as the time of 35 employee volunteers as part of Blue across Rhode Island, our annual company-wide day of service.

600⁺ Rhode Islanders received free dental care during Mission of Mercy in 2018

"BCBSRI’s ongoing commitment to healthcare access for the uninsured and the underinsured could not be more evident than in its support of the RI Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic. Since 2012, BCBSRI’s support has allowed us to provide free dental care to more than 4,450 people. We are so thankful for the support of BCBSRI and our shared dedication to improving the health of all Rhode Islanders."

—Libby Swan, Executive Director, Rhode Island Mission of Mercy

BUILDING HEALTHY BODIES THROUGH READING

Reach Out and Read RI gives free books to pediatric practices to hand out to children and families at well visits. Our support of the Healthy Bodies, Healthy Mind initiative helped to expand the program to more children and provided books on healthy eating and an active lifestyle.

2018 Community Report — Health Equity & Quality (Section 4)

HEALTH EQUITY & QUALITY

We want all Rhode Islanders to have access to high-quality healthcare.

That’s why we support initiatives that eliminate healthcare disparities, make it easier to understand healthcare, and strengthen the backbone of our system—primary care.

RAISING AWARENESS WITH WOMEN'S STORIES

To bring attention to heart disease in women, BCBSRI and the Southern New England American Heart Association created the Heart2Heart Storytellers campaign, which features the stories of survivors of heart disease and stroke.

Seven courageous women used their voices to raise awareness about heart disease, and BCBSRI made a $25,000 donation to the American Heart Association on their behalf.

HELPING SENIORS BETTER MANAGE DIABETES

Since 2015, hundreds of seniors have benefited from the education provided by the American Diabetes Association during their Diabetes Boot Camp for Seniors series.

In addition to funding, BCBSRI provides nutritionists, care managers, and other staff to support the events.

MAKING HEALTHCARE EASIER TO UNDERSTAND

Only 12% of U.S. adults have proficient health literacy, according to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy. That means nearly nine out of 10 adults may lack the skills to manage their health and prevent disease.

To help our members and neighbors understand their healthcare choices, we created Healthcare Basics, a 16-page informational booklet.

This easy-to-read booklet is available online in both English and Spanish.

English version

Spanish version

SUPPORTING MEALS ON WHEELS

To raise awareness of senior hunger and isolation, we continue to support Meals on Wheels Rhode Island’s March for Meals campaign. This month-long initiative encouraged action on the part of our community and helped raise much needed funding.

For the past three years, BCBSRI employees also have volunteered their time to create personalized Veterans Day cards for 1,000 Rhode Island veterans receiving Meals on Wheels home delivery.

IMPROVING ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE

Since 2012, we’ve invested $190,000 in support of the Rhode Island Licensed Health Professionals Loan Repayment Program.

This program offers health education loan repayments to primary care, dentistry, and mental health professionals who have made a two-year commitment to practice in medically underserved communities in Rhode Island. Through this program, we’re helping address the shortage in primary care services, which is one of the causes of disparities in health status.

25 loan repayment awards granted in 2018

BRINGING YOGA TO STUDENTS AND SENIORS

In 2018, BCBSRI continued funding for Shri programming intended to reduce toxic stress while increasing physical and emotional stamina through methods rooted in yogic philosophy for kids and seniors in Rhode Island.

This included seniors, youth and adults with disabilities, children in group homes, youth in urban schools, and patients in state psychiatric facilities.

200 adults and children took Shri classes in 2018

Funding the Trans* Health Access Team

The Trans* Health Access Team at Thundermist is the first dedicated, competent, and caring point of access to primary care for trans* adults in Rhode Island. BCBSRI is a founding funder.

750 patients have been assisted by the Trans* Health Access Team since 2015

Trans* is an umbrella term that refers to all of the identities within the gender identity spectrum.

PROMOTING COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS ABOUT OPIOIDS

In partnership with WSBE Rhode Island PBS, BCBSRI sponsored the production of "The Fix: Examining Rhode Island's Opioid Epidemic," a documentary focused solely on RI's experience and response with the opioid crisis.

Also in partnership with PBS, we premiered "The Fix" at our annual meeting, followed by an expert panel discussing the crisis and the role we all continue to play to combat it. We are showing the documentary in communities across the state to inspire constructive conversations, raise awareness of treatment opportunities, and continue to destigmatize substance use disorder. The series will continue in 2019.

"With the ongoing support of Blue Cross, we have been able to create programs and outreach efforts that explore critical health issues for our community, in particular, the opioid crisis, through our production of 'The Fix: Examining Rhode Island’s Opioid Epidemic.' Additionally, we are extending the reach and impact of this content through community screenings and the creation of free educational resources for schools."

—David Piccerelli, President, Rhode Island PBS

We also supported PBS and the Rhode Island Student Assistance Services in creating and distributing a middle school and high school curriculum focused on opioid use prevention.

View the High School Lesson Plan

View the Middle School Lesson Plan

2018 Community Report — Service (Section 5)

SERVICE

Our employees love giving back to our local community.

They brought their dedication and enthusiasm to more than 100 volunteer events in 2018.

Video credit: Riverzedge Arts

BLUE ACROSS RHODE ISLAND 2018

On Friday, September 21, hundreds of BCBSRI employees completed large-scale volunteer projects at nonprofit agencies across the state during our seventh annual company-wide day of service.

"We were utterly impressed with the committed team of volunteers who came out to support our organization and build homes for our families. The volunteers were pumped up and ready to take on any challenge presented to them. They made a massive impact on our organization."

–Meghan Rego, Director of Resource Development and Communication, Neighborworks Blackstone River Valley

3,535
Hours of volunteer service

597
Employee volunteers participated

14
Nonprofit organizations assisted

10,000
Rhode Islanders impacted

"We are always humbled by BCBSRI's ability to interact throughout the state of Rhode Island and do some 'roll up your sleeve' work. It's not luxurious work, but it humanizes the corporation and showcases to BCBSRI employees first-hand some of the issues these communities face."

–Erin Cox, AIA, Program Officer, LISC Rhode Island

PROMOTING SKILLS-BASED VOLUNTEERISM

Many of our employees put their skills to work on nonprofit boards or by performing free trainings. In 2018, we piloted a new skills-based volunteer program.

The first project benefits The Providence Village, an organization that helps seniors stay in their homes as they age. Our volunteer team created a digital communication strategy and delivered a fully redesigned and enhanced website.

SERVING "LUNCH ON US"

Each June, BCBSRI makes a $10,000 donation to McAuley House to fund 5,000 meals distributed to men, women, and children who are hungry in our community. As part of the Lunch on Us Program, three to four of our employees volunteer every weekday in June to help staff serve lunches to the clients at McAuley House.

40 employee volunteers

100⁺ volunteer hours

^$10,000 to feed neighbors in need

RAISING MONEY FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Our biggest employee fundraising effort of the year is to support the valuable work of the United Way of Rhode Island. Throughout the year, our employees also raise money for other nonprofits doing important work in our community.

^$116,000 for the United Way of Rhode Island

^$10,000 raised for other nonprofits

DONATING FOOD FOR RHODE ISLANDERS IN NEED

This year’s Thanksgiving drive continued our annual Gobble Games competition within the BCBSRI building to collect the most food for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Since the competition started in 2013, our employees have donated more than 30 tons of food.

16,000 food items collected in 2018 for Rhode Islanders in need

10,000 matching contribution to the Food Bank

ENCOURAGING OTHER BUSINESSES TO GIVE BACK

BCBSRI partnered with the Social Enterprise Greenhouse to bring Best for Rhode Island to local businesses

Best for Rhode Island is a statewide initiative that encourages businesses to assess and improve their community impact. The program helps companies create high-quality jobs, strengthen communities, and preserve the environment through the power of business.

170 local businesses participated

Looking for volunteers? Let us know

Email us at blueangel_news@bcbsri.org to learn how to get our BlueAngel volunteers involved at your organization.