Anthem Committed $596,894 to Improving Health and Strengthening Nevada's Communities in 2011

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As a part of its mission to improve the lives of the people it serves and the health of Nevada's communities, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield today announced that the health plan, its corporate foundation and associates contributed nearly $600,000 and 320 volunteer hours to health-related causes and community events in 2011. 

"To understand Anthem and our values, one need look no further than the work we do in Nevada's communities," said Mike Murphy, President and General Manager, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada. "Through grants, sponsorships and associate volunteerism, we are working to address Nevada's most pressing health challenges and are funding programs that are making meaningful and measurable improvements in health."

Through its State Health Index – a compilation of public health measures – and Healthy Generations program, Anthem and its foundation work to identify the health issues most in need of attention and then direct charitable support and volunteer efforts toward improving those areas.  Major areas of focus for Anthem in 2011 were promoting youth health, preventing unnecessary preterm births and helping adults stabilize or reduce their risk to diabetes.

Projects and organizations receiving support from the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation this year included:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Triple Play program -- $42,000 to support and expand the wellness program in Nevada.
• March of Dimes CenteringPregnancy -- $25,000 to support a group-based prenatal care program that works to reduce preterm births and improve birth outcomes.
• OASIS Institute CATCH Healthy Habits -- $58,949 to bring a unique intergenerational wellness program to Las Vegas that teaches kids about the importance of healthy eating, active lifestyles and making good decisions.
• Access to Healthcare Network -- $50,000 to support 250 clients positively change behavior to help reduce their risk of diabetes or stabilize their diabetes.

In addition to grants, Anthem contributed $98,975 to local events, community organizations and nonprofits to enrich the quality of life throughout the state, including:

• The American Heart Association
• The American Lung Association
• Nevada Business Magazine's Healthcare Heroes Awards
• JDRF's Hope and Health Diabetes Symposium

"Anthem is truly committed to improving health in a targeted and strategic way," Murphy said. "We are honored to work with outstanding organizations at both the national and local levels, and look forward to continuing to work with them to create a healthier Nevada for all."

Anthem associates also contributed personally and financially to improving their communities in 2011.  Backed by a 50 percent match from its corporate foundation, the men and women of Anthem pledged more than $19,436 to the campaign's six public health charity beneficiaries:  American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Community Health Charities, Feeding America, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and United Way.

Company associates and their families also volunteered at community organizations throughout Nevada during the company's Community Service Day on April 30, 2011.  Taking place at three sites throughout the state, the annual effort benefitted nonprofits dedicated to improving the quality of life in local communities including cleaning and painting Step2 Reno's facilities and helping Opportunity Village prepare for its annual Magical Forest fundraiser.

"Our associates are very committed to the communities where they live and work, particularly during these challenging economic times," Murphy said.  "I couldn't be more proud of their efforts to help make a difference for people in need."

About the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation

Through charitable grant making, the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation LLC, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, promotes Anthem's inherent commitment to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families in communities that Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield 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 annual associate giving campaign and its parent foundation provides a 50 percent match of associates' campaign pledges. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc. HMO products underwritten by HMO Colorado, Inc., dba HMO Nevada. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at  www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.

SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield