Blue Fund Awards $327,000 to Two Capital Region Organizations

Latham, NY — As part of its inaugural Blue Fund grant cycle, BlueShield of Northeastern New York today announced more than $327,000 in grant funding to two major health-based projects across the Capital Region.

The not-for-profit, community-based health plan launched the 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.

This first round of grants will support two regional projects that collectively will have a positive impact on behavioral health and healthy children initiatives.

“As a not-for-profit health plan with a 70 year history of supporting our community, we’re investing in initiatives that address important needs to create a healthier state for everyone,” said David W. Anderson, BlueShield of Northeastern New York president and CEO. “These and future Blue Fund grants will enhance local organizations and efforts that address barriers to health and improve key health outcomes.”

These grants, funded from the health plan’s strong reserves, were awarded in addition to the health plan’s current corporate partnerships and sponsorships, which saw investments of more than $250,000 in Northeastern New York in 2017.
 

Below are the recipients of the inaugural Blue Fund awards:

Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady Amount awarded: $115,234

Project: Positive Behavioral Intervention Services

Purpose: This project will address the need for prevention counseling services, crisis intervention, individualized behavior plans, and positive behavioral intervention (PBI) for children who have experienced trauma in their lives. PBI teaches respect, responsibility, and safety at the club — promoting confidence to engage and succeed in activities. This initiative will serve more than 900 children daily with a minimum of 150 receiving intensive counseling services.
 

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County Amount awarded: $211,940

Project: Supporting Healthy Youth and Families Initiative

Purpose: This project will educate children and their families and caretakers on the importance of well-child visits and strategies for health and safety at home. The initiative uniquely targets youth, adults, and families as they learn together. Experienced staff will provide practical programs about healthy living, good nutrition and food selection, physical fitness, and stress reduction to ultimately promote lifelong healthy behaviors.