Blue Health Initiatives 2016-2017 Impact Report

Kansans Serving Kansans
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
As Kansas’ largest and local health insurer, Blue Cross
and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) recognizes its
unique position to work with Kansas communities
to establish and sustain healthy environments and
lifestyles. BCBSKS is committed to helping all Kansans
lead healthier lives and make healthier choices each
day. In an effort to shape a healthier future for Kansas,
BCBSKS launched Blue Health Initiatives in 2016 to
support Kansas communities in developing enduring
solutions for Kansas’ health challenges.
While Blue Health Initiatives may be in the early
implementation stages, BCBSKS’ commitment to a
healthier Kansas is not new. Our focus on a healthier
Kansas has been ingrained since the beginning –
and we’re excited about this next phase of
community progress.
What is Blue Health Initiatives?
The mission of Blue Health Initiatives is to invest in
communities to create sustainable, healthy places where
Kansans live, work and play in ways that improve the
quality of their lives. The project provides the tools and
inspiration needed to holistically improve the health of
Kansas communities.
There are three key pillars that comprise Blue Health
Initiatives. The Pathways Initiatives create
community-wide change through cross-sector
engagement. The Trailblazers Initiatives catalyze change
by piloting innovative solutions to address the unique
needs of our rural state. The Healthy Lifestyles Initiatives
encourage Kansans to Be the Spark toward a healthier
Kansas through programs that promote healthy habits
throughout their lives. These three pillars will transform
Kansas communities in the years to come – and have
already begun to make an impact in the first two years of
funding. This report provides a summary of the activities
that occurred in 2016 and 2017.
For more information about Blue Health Initiatives,
please contact: Virginia Barnes, Director of Blue
Health Initiatives
Email: Virginia.Barnes@bcbsks.com
Phone: (785) 291-8004
Address: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas,
1133 SW Topeka Boulevard, Topeka, KS 66629
Our History
In Kansas, the Blue tradition of security
and dependability has thrived for over 75
years. In 1942, the company first opened
its doors with just three employees and
eight members.
Our Home
We are Kansans serving Kansans. Today
1,600 employees serve approximately
950,000 Kansans.
Our Initiatives
The Blue Health Initiatives grants are
divided into three pillars: Pathways,
Trailblazers and Healthy Lifestyles.
Our Health
Blue Health Initiatives take a holistic
approach to health by focusing on
improving the policies, systems and
environmental landscapes that shape
our quality of life.
In the future we’ll see
that people are riding
bikes, walking around,
eating healthier –
as their first thought,
not as an afterthought.
Rob Runquist, Lyon County
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