Investing in local communities to achieve health equity
In 2021, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) launched a National Health Equity Strategy to confront the nation’s crisis in health disparities. BCBS companies are making meaningful strides toward a more equitable future. This includes $489 million invested in in community health initiatives that address a variety of challenges including food insecurity, housing stability and safe neighborhoods.
Read the BCBS community investment report
A LETTER FROM OUR CEO
Your health shouldn’t depend on your race, ethnicity, income status, identity or where you live – but all too often it does. The health disparities that have for too long affected too many people across the country have only been exacerbated by the pandemic in recent years. Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies are determined to change this. Driven by our deep roots in the local communities we serve – and enabled by the scope of our national reach – we are hard at work in every corner of the country to ensure all Americans are able to live their healthiest lives.
We know that 80% of a person’s health is shaped outside of the doctor’s office—by things like food security, housing stability and safe neighborhoods. Addressing these issues is a cornerstone of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s National Health Equity Strategy, launched in 2021 to confront the nation’s crisis in health disparities. With a focus on these root causes and a rich understanding of local needs and resources, BCBS companies are making meaningful strides toward a healthier and more equitable future.
Within this report, you will find stories demonstrating our pursuit to improve social determinants of health. Together, we are reimagining a more equitable health care system—for the one in three Americans we serve and all Americans.
SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM INFORMATION
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) seeks to achieve its supplier diversity objectives through its supply chain network, which helps to bring consumer awareness, a competitive advantage and positive impact to the communities we serve. Supplier diversity reflects BCBSA’s vision for social responsibility, a commitment to broaden our supplier base with diverse businesses, and our focus on sound financial stewardship by widening our pool of competitive suppliers for BCBSA.
The BCBSA supplier diversity program promotes opportunities for diverse suppliers in the communities we serve, including minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned and other traditionally underrepresented businesses. All companies must be at least 51% owned, controlled, operated and managed by US citizens. Supplier diversity is integrated with BCBSA’s overarching Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategy.
If your organization is interested in doing business with BCBSA, please complete the Supplier Diversity Registration Form. Completing this registration will allow us to identify opportunities that fit with your organization’s profile. Certified Diverse Suppliers must submit a certification from an authorized third-party or regulatory agency. Uncertified suppliers that qualify as diverse should attest to self-certification in the registration form.
We recognize the following classifications:
- Alaska Native and Indian Tribes
- Historically Underutilized Business (HUB)
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT)
- Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
- Service-Disabled Veteran
- Small and Small Disadvantaged (SADBUS)
- Veteran-Owned
- Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
Helping our neighbors lead their healthiest lives
The BCBS System has increasingly supported community programs that address social determinants of health - the environment in which people are born, grow, live, work and age.
DATA-DRIVEN INSIGHTS TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF ALL AMERICANS
The Health of America is a source of insights, information and powerful stories highlighting how Blue Cross Blue Shield companies are leading the way to better healthcare—and better health—for America.