Mountlake Terrace, Wash., May 01, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Premera Blue Cross through its Premera Social Impact program today announced $500,000 in grants to be distributed through community foundations across Washington.
The foundations will be stewards of Premera’s investments and will award grants to nonprofits addressing behavioral health and health equity in their respective communities. This pilot program will allow Premera to reach further in its efforts to improve access to behavioral health solutions, particularly in underserved communities.
“Community foundations are well-positioned to identify and address their region’s problems,” said Paul Hollie, who leads Premera Social Impact. “They are embedded closer to their communities, enabling them to leave a lasting impact."
The following foundations will each receive a $100,000 grant:
Community Foundation of Southwest Washington, in Vancouver, to invest in Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania counties.
Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, in Olympia, to invest in Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties.
Kitsap Community Foundation, in Silverdale, to invest in Kitsap and Mason counties.
Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, in Tacoma, to invest in Pierce County.
Innovia Foundation, in Spokane, to invest in Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Lincoln, Spokane, Adams, Whitman, Columbia, Garfield and Aston counties.
In 2018, Premera Social Impact awarded more than $9.5 million in grants and sponsorships in Washington and Alaska. To learn more about Premera Social Impact, read the company’s community giving report.
About Premera Blue Cross
Premera Blue Cross, a not-for-profit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association based in Mountlake Terrace, Wash., is a leading health plan in the Pacific Northwest, providing comprehensive health benefits and tailored services to approximately 2 million people, from individuals to Fortune 100 companies.