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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Committed to Improving Georgians' HealthBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) donated more than $2.6 million to health-related organizations throughout the state of Georgia in 2014. Announced today in the company's "2014 Georgia Foundation and Community Relations Year-End Summary," the report outlines several areas specifically targeted for giving by BCBSGa during the past year, including "Youth Health, Healthy Heart, Healthy Active Lifestyles, Cancer Prevention, Diabetes Prevention and Healthy Maternal Practices." Through its State Health Index - a compilation of public health measures - and Healthy Generations grant program, BCBSGa and its foundation work to identify health issues that significantly impact local communities. Key areas of support during 2014 included:
"Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia continued our support of many worthwhile organizations during 2014. Over the past year, we were pleased to add several new groups who share our goal of improving the health of people throughout the state of Georgia," said Morgan Kendrick, president of BCBSGa. Formal grants and sponsorships by BCBSGa were supplemented by the company's additional charitable activities and events during the year. Beneficiaries included the American Diabetes Association, Grady Foundation, Fragile Kids and the Suan G. Komen Foundation. BCBSGa also kicked off two new associate initiatives during 2014, created to assist and recognize employees for their volunteer efforts. "Dollars for Doers" encourages year-round associate volunteerism by providing grants to eligible organizations when volunteer service is completed. All 501 (c)(3) organizations in good standing with the IRS are may receive funding. Individual associates or volunteer teams log hours, and organizations are provided with monetary grants. For 2014, 1,252 volunteer hours were logged. The total value of the 2014 contribution was $64,790. "Anthem Cares Fund" was created to help associates, their spouses or eligible dependents who are in need of financial assistance because of disasters or personal hardships. The Anthem Foundation matches $.50 for every $1 donated. Anthem Cares raised $7,216 in its inaugural year. Georgia associate pledges and foundation match totaled $7,216 in 2014, its inaugural year. The annual Associate Giving program donated $259,574 in 2014, supporting a variety of organizations, including the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Feeding America and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation matches contributions at $.50 for every $1, up to a maximum match of $12,500 for a $25,000 gift. About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation: Through charitable grant making, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation LLC, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, promotes Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia's inherent commitment to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families in communities that the company serves. The Foundation focuses its funding on strategic initiatives that address and provide innovative solutions to health care challenges, as well as promoting the Healthy Generations Program, a multi-generational initiative that targets specific disease states and medical conditions. These include: prenatal care in the first trimester, low birth weight babies, cardiac morbidity rates, long term activities that decrease obesity and increase physical activity, diabetes prevalence in adult populations, adult pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations and smoking cessation. The Foundation also coordinates the company's Associate Giving program which provides a 50 percent match of associates' campaign pledges, as well as its Volunteer Time Off and Dollars for Doers community service programs. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. and Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is available at www.bcbsga.com.
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