In 2015, Shield Care’s focused on a number of opportunities to improve health benefits in our communities, including working with Food Banks to support those who are unable to afford nourishing food, participating in American Heart Association’s Go Red campaign and joining the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. We also worked to raise awareness for domestic violence and breast cancer prevention. In addition to the five company campaigns, Blue Shield employees carried out of 30 fundraising and volunteer service events throughout California.
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Blue Shield’s Chief Health Officer, Dr. Marcus Thygeson, and employees volunteering at San Francisco and Marin Food Bank[/caption]
Here are the key metrics from Blue Shield’s community service initiatives in 2015:
- $325,215 donated to California nonprofits by employees and matched by Blue Shield
- 5,000+ employees wore purple and/or pink on Blue Wears Purple/Pink Days to raise awareness for domestic violence and breast cancer prevention
- 3,925 volunteer hours tracked
By volunteering or donating time and money to specific causes, employees are not only improving the health benefits of targeted groups, but also improving their own health. Research demonstrates that volunteering leads to better health and social benefits, as well as reduced stress levels.
Blue Shield will be hosting a company-wide Shield Cares Month of Giving and Service in April, when our senior leaders will volunteer along-side employees at service projects throughout California. We look forward to sharing the results and key learnings from these projects in May.
Nadine James-Ward is manager of corporate citizenship at Blue Shield of California.