The Independence Blue Cross Foundation (Foundation) today announced nearly $2.7 million in grant funding through the Blue Safety Net and Supporting Treatment and Opioid Prevention (STOP) Initiative. The Foundation also introduced Community Innovation Grants, a new funding opportunity that support pilot projects that pursue innovative approaches to health-focused challenges in the community.
Through the Blue Safety Net program, the Foundation awards grants to private, nonprofit health centers that provide access to free or affordable care in medically underserved areas. In its latest round of funding, the Foundation awarded grants totaling nearly $2.4 million to 49 health centers that serve more than 230,000 individuals. Four health centers received Blue Safety Net funding for the first time:
- Delaware Valley Community Health Fairmount Primary Care Center at Sharon Hill
- Manor College Dental Center
- Public Health Management Corporation Health Center at Temple
- Christopher’s Foundation for Children Dental Program
The Foundation’s inaugural Community Innovation Grants of $15,000 include two organizations:
- Center in the Park: to pilot delivery of the Aging Mastery Program to LGBT older adults
- Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations: to develop and pilot a mobile-based application for seniors to address issues in their home that are negatively affecting their health
The Foundation awarded grants totaling $215,000 through the Supporting Treatment and Overdose Prevention (STOP) Initiative, to support community-based prevention, education and treatment for individuals and families struggling with opioid use disorder. The four grants awarded will support the following organizations:
- Esperanza Health Center: integrated health service to improve holistic care coordination for individuals with opioid use disorder in the Kensington neighborhood
- Medical Toxicology Foundation: education program for physicians to increase use of medication-assisted treatment
- Eluna (formerly Moyer Foundation): supporting the Camp Mariposa program for children affected by a family member’s substance use disorder
- Pathways to Housing: supporting services for individuals experiencing substance use disorder and homelessness
About the Independence Blue Cross Foundation:
The Independence Blue Cross Foundation is a charitable, private foundation, whose mission is leading solutions for a healthier community. The Foundation targets the following areas of impact:
- Securing the Blue Safety Net: Strengthening the safety net of private, nonprofit health centers that provide access to quality, affordable health care in medically underserved areas.
- Bolstering the Health Care Workforce: Advancing the nursing workforce through education and professional development.
- Addressing Health Priorities: Finding local solutions to national health issues through research and cross-sector partnerships. Currently focusing on the opioid epidemic through the Supporting Treatment and Overdose Prevention (STOP) initiative.
- Community Innovation: Supporting pilot projects that pursue new approaches to existing health-focused challenges in the community.
Learn more by visiting our website: www.ibxfoundation.org. Connect with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation on Twitter at @ibxfdn.
Media contact:
Ruth Stoolman
Ruth.Stoolman@ibx.com
215-241-4807 (office)
215-667-9537 (cell)
