RELEASE
Blue Cross celebrates 80th anniversary spotlighting those who’ve worked alongside the company to improve health of Michiganders
Blues Perspectives
| 4 min read
DETROIT, April 15, 2019 — In honor of its 80th anniversary, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has launched the “MI Blue 80” campaign, expressing gratitude for those who’ve worked to help make Michigan healthier over the years. Throughout 2019, Blue Cross will spotlight partners throughout the state that have collaborated with BCBSM to increase access to affordable health care, enhance patient care and improve the overall health of Michigan residents. The storytelling series will live on the “MI Blue 80” campaign landing page, at www.mibluesperspectives.com/miblue80. “The people and organizations we’ve worked alongside over the last 80 years have been a force for positive change for millions of people across the nation,” said Daniel J. Loepp, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan president and CEO. “We couldn’t be more grateful for their support and the shared passion of making Michigan citizens healthier through research, community outreach and advocacy.” The first five organizations being showcased on the “MI Blue 80” landing page have been longstanding partners of Blue Cross. These include:
- LaughFest: This 10-day festival hosted in Grand Rapids, Mich. offers family-friendly events which support Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, a foundation supporting those affected by cancer or grief. The event, supported by many community partners including Blue Cross since 2014, brings in 12 to 18 percent of the foundation’s total needed operating revenue, helping keep various programs and support groups going and free to all.
- Cedar Tree Institute: For 19 years, this organization has led innovative end-of-life teaching experiences in the wilds of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula through the “Janus Project.” The intimate, outdoor experience was originally funded in 1999 by a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation grant and focuses on shared physical labor and bonding opportunities for patients facing end-of-life conditions or spouses who’ve survived a dying loved one. The retreats also equip health care providers and others involved in end-of-life care with the tools they need to provide their patients with a positive transitional experience.
- American Heart Association: The American Heart Association (AHA) is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, the number one killer of both men and women in the country. The organization has advocacy arms nationwide, which Blue Cross has proudly supported over the years. From CPR training in schools and community volunteering events, to research at Michigan hospitals and universities, the AHA works tirelessly to protect hearts in the Great Lakes state.
- Michigan Health and Hospital Association: As a longstanding partner to the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA), Blue Cross will join the organization in celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2019 and shedding light on the work they’ve done to improve health care at hospitals and health systems across Michigan. Efforts include upholding safety and quality of care for patients across the state through their Keystone Center, significantly lowering health care costs and reducing infections and harm.
- Detroit Pistons: Like Blue Cross, the Detroit Pistons have an ongoing commitment to encouraging Michigan youth to adopt healthy habits. In 2019, the organizations joined forces to host Pistons Kids Day, a sweepstakes that gave 50 lucky kids a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go to work and experience Detroit Pistons operations on gameday. The partnership also extends into the school-setting through the Detroit Pistons School Assembly Program, a high-energy, educational program for students that blends health and wellness messages with fun activities.
To learn more about the stories of these organizations, their efforts and other partnerships being showcased through the “MI Blue 80” campaign, visit www.mibluesperspectives.com/miblue80.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides health benefits to more than 4.7 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies residing outside the state. The company has been committed to delivering affordable health care products through a broad variety of plans for businesses, individuals and seniors for 80 years. Beyond health care coverage, BCBSM supports impactful community initiatives and provides leadership in improving health care. For more information, visit bcbsm.com and MiBluesPerspectives.com.
