Efforts in New York Aid Individuals and Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic
We remain focused on helping our communities, especially during the national health crisis we are facing as a nation. Across the country, we are working with partner organizations to support local efforts that address the health and safety of individuals and families within communities. In New York, Empire BlueCross BlueShield Foundation has committed more than $200,000 to organizations on the frontlines, providing New Yorkers with critical access to food during the ongoing COVID-pandemic.

Of the $200,000 dedicated to fighting food insecurity, the Foundation has made contributions of $50,000 each to City Harvest and Food Bank for New York City, which will support local families during the COVID-19 outbreak. Providing these vital resources to children, adults and frontline health care workers throughout the city helps to meet the growing and changing needs of the communities we serve. The remaining funds have been distributed to other organizations in New York, which are also providing critical food supplies to those who need it.

These latest contributions are part of the nearly $2 million in commitments by Empire and its Foundation to support COVID-19 relief efforts in New York. We are currently funding or will be funding programs to support:

After-school programs

Food pantries throughout New York

Food requirements

Human services and basic needs

Securing PPE/medical supplies for local hospital systems

Distributing iPads to support e-learning and socially appropriate communication

Essential worker supports

Social and emotional wellness (i.e., isolation, domestic abuse, child abuse, etc.)

In addition to supporting local food banks, Empire recently announced a partnership with the Chinese American Independent Practice Association (CAIPA) to launch COVID-19 mobile testing units in all five boroughs. People can access the free tests with a CAIPA primary care physician’s referral.

The mission of this program is to increase access to screening in order to identify, monitor and provide early interventions to mitigate hospitalization. This helps alleviate a surge of people seeking services at local hospitals, which are already at overcapacity. By screening patients at these mobile units, providers can identify those that are at risk for hospitalization and collaborate with community hospital partners to distribute them to the appropriate level facility.

Together with local partner organizations, we continue to ensure those in need can access the basic necessities they require. Through continued commitment to whole person health, and with access to food, we are working deeply in our communities to help individuals and families stay healthy.
['Anthem Foundation']
['Food Insecurity', 'Elearning', 'Covid 19 Efforts', 'Giving', 'Community']