Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation Invests $14.2M in New York Communities in 2024 to Advance Health Outcomes

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation continued its vital work to advance health outcomes and strengthen local communities in 2024, investing $14.2 million to support key causes, organizations, and programs across New York. This includes $4.7 million in grants that addressed substance use disorders, $4 million that supported Food as Medicine initiatives to tackle food insecurity, and $3.2 million that funded efforts to improve maternal health outcomes.

"This milestone year marks not only a celebration of past achievements but also a renewed dedication to creating healthier, more resilient communities for the future," said Dr. Mark Levy, president and CEO of Anthem.

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Anthem associates contributed $1.3 million to community engagement through direct giving and more than 21,600 volunteer hours. The Foundation also contributed to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, reflecting its ongoing commitment to building healthier, more resilient communities.

As the Foundation enters its 25^th year in 2025, this impactful work solidifies a framework for more significant progress. Building on its investments in New York communities in 2024 spanning three pillars: Substance Use Disorder, Food as Medicine, and Maternal Health—the Foundation is poised to deepen its commitment to healthy communities. With the launch of a bold new five-year strategy, the Foundation will invest $150 million nationwide through a multi-lever approach that includes traditional grantmaking, impact investing, associate community engagement, and a new Community Action Leadership Initiative.

"This milestone year marks not only a celebration of past achievements but also a renewed dedication to creating healthier, more resilient communities for the future," said Dr. Mark Levy, president and CEO of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. "Our work in New York last year highlighted the urgent need to continue addressing key health challenges. With 1 in 5 children in New York facing hungerⁱ, a preterm birth rate affecting 1 in 10 babiesⁱⁱ, and approximately 12% of New York State residents aged 12 and older experiencing a substance use disorder annuallyⁱⁱⁱ, the path forward is clear. We remain committed to pursuing more affordable access to health by deepening our efforts across these critical areas and driving meaningful, community-centered change."

KEY AREAS OF IMPACT

In 2024, 14 maternal health grants provided programming in New York. During the same period, 12 Food as Medicine grants funded programs across the state that served more than 54,000 meals. There were also twenty behavioral health grants that reached more than 5,000 people through substance use disorder prevention, early intervention, treatment, or recovery support. Disaster relief efforts also served the community through ten strategic partnerships designed to improve preparedness, response, and recovery.

Examples of programs funded by the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation in New York during 2024:

1. Maternal Health: The Foundation partnered with Healthy Birth Day, Inc. to expand the Count the Kicks stillbirth prevention program in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. The program aims to improve pregnancy outcomes by educating expectant parents on the importance of tracking fetal movements.
2. Food as Medicine: Housing Works received a $300,000 grant to expand its Community First Food Pantry at its new Harlem site. The pantry addresses food insecurity and supports health outcomes for underserved populations.
3. Behavioral Health: Sunset Park Health Council’s Family Health Centers were awarded $600,000 to expand anti-overdose education programs in Brooklyn, enhancing community awareness and reducing the impact of substance use disorders among citywide youth.
4. Disaster Relief: Direct Relief received funding to pre-position medical materials with community clinics in high-risk areas across New York, support rapid response cash grants, and deploy backup solar power to ensure health centers can continue serving those most in need during crises.

The Foundation's new five-year strategy plans to have a far greater impact on health outcomes and expand access to care across New York and beyond. It aims to strengthen partnerships, scale proven solutions, and accelerate progress toward affordable healthcare for all.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation

The Anthem BlueCross BlueShield Foundation, the trade name of the Elevance Health Foundation, serves residents and businesses in 17 southeastern counties of New York State. The Foundation works to improve the health of the socially vulnerable through partnerships and programs in our communities with an emphasis on maternal-infant health; behavioral health; and food as medicine. Additionally, the Foundation also responds to disasters when our communities need us the most. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbol are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. To learn more about the Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield Foundation and the Elevance Health Foundation, please visit www.elevancehealth.foundation and its blog at www.medium.com/elevancehealthfoundation.