By the end of this year, the Independence Blue Cross Foundation (IBX Foundation) will have awarded grants to nonprofits and research totaling more than $80 million — including up to $12 million in 2023 alone. The impact of our commitment is expanding access to care, increasing educational opportunities in the health care workforce, investing in pioneering research, and advancing health equity for all.
Last March, Independence Blue Cross President and CEO Greg Deavens announced the IBX Foundation Institute for Health Equity (Institute), dedicating $15 million through 2026 to lead efforts for equitable health in our communities and nation.
What We’re Doing to Drive Equitable Health
In April – just one year after the Institute announcement – we convened the IBX Foundation Institute for Health Equity Forum in Philadelphia. The inaugural, three-day event engaged 600 regional and national leaders and experts from academic medicine, professional medical and nursing associations, health systems, nonprofit organizations, government, and philanthropy to drive action in the Institute’s focus areas: equity in medicine, digital health, and maternal care.
We’re proud to collaborate with organizations such as the Delaware Valley DEI Consortium – a regional coalition of DEI deans in medical education – to address the disparities in the physician workforce and set a national agenda.
We’re excited to publicize results of the region’s first digital health engagement survey among providers and patients in underserved communities. Findings will inform the development of equitable digital health solutions with health centers in our region.
We recognize the leadership needed in government to promote policies that improve the lives of groups that have been historically marginalized. We’re fortunate for the work underway by Representative Morgan Cephas of the Pennsylvania 192nd Legislative District to prevent adverse maternal and infant health outcomes among Black women and birthing people.
The Institute serves as a think tank and collaborative to achieve more equitable systems capable of delivering culturally responsive care and improving population health outcomes.
As the Forum suggests, it takes all of us to make change happen.
