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Blue Shield of California Foundation Awards More Than $16 Million

Posted on: Monday, 3 October 2005, 12:00 CDT

Expanding its commitment to the health and well-being of all Californians, the Blue Shield of California Foundation (BSCF) has awarded more than $16 million in grants to 301 nonprofit organizations throughout California, including a $5 million grant to provide health care to low-income children in Los Angeles County.

"We are committed to supporting organizations throughout the state that increase access to health care, improve the delivery of care through advances in medical and information technology, and combat domestic violence," said Crystal Hayling, president of the Blue Shield of California Foundation.

The major grants in each of the foundation's three program areas include:

-- $5 million to the Children's Health Initiative of Greater Los Angeles. This grant continues funding for the Children's Health Initiative that was launched in 2004 with a $4 million grant from BSCF, as well as awards from The California Endowment, L.A. Care Health Plan, First 5 LA, and others. The Children's Health Initiative has raised $92 million toward its goal of $130 million and, to encourage additional giving from other organizations, $1 million of the new $5 million BSCF award is a challenge grant.

"The Children's Health Initiative is working hard to provide free or low cost medical, dental and vision care to more than 80,000 low-income children in Los Angeles County over the next three years. As new studies show fewer families can afford to cover their kids with employer-based health insurance, support for children's health initiatives across California is more important than ever," Hayling said.

-- $1 million to the Health Technology Center in San Francisco to support a statewide initiative to improve the quality and efficiency of health care through information technology. The center is working to develop secure health information data exchange systems in California communities.

-- $200,000 to Youth and Family Enrichment Services in San Mateo to provide culturally appropriate domestic violence intervention and prevention services to mothers and children exposed to family trauma. YFES is a non-profit agency that provides a comprehensive array of free or low-cost multi-lingual social services to residents of San Mateo County.

The foundation also contributed more than $6 million to 176 community clinics and $1 million to 97 domestic violence shelters that often are strapped for cash to maintain operations.

"Domestic violence shelters and community health clinics are on the frontlines when it comes to meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in our state," Hayling said. "The general operating grants are to be used where they are needed most, whether that's to extend the hours of operation or purchase medicine."

The $16 million in grants represent the largest combined amount awarded by the Blue Shield of California Foundation at one time, bringing its giving to $22 million this year, with a total of $30 million expected to be awarded in 2005. The increased giving is the result of a recent effort to reinvigorate the foundation's philanthropic outreach. Grants in 2004 totaled $24 million, up significantly from the $8 million in grants awarded in 2003.

Blue Shield of California Foundation was formed by Blue Shield of California, a not-for-profit corporation with more than 3.3 million members, 4,300 employees and 20 offices throughout California. The Blue Shield of California Foundation provides charitable contributions, conducts research and supports programs with an emphasis on reducing the number of uninsured, using technology to promote health and preventing domestic violence. For more information, visit the Blue Shield of California website at www.mylifepath.com or the Foundation at www.blueshieldcafoundation.org.

For a complete list of grants, contact Carri Cummings at 916-341-0472 or carri@zieglerassociates.net.

Source: Business Wire

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