Excellus BlueCross BlueShield addresses health disparities in upstate New York with new Health Equity Awards

Posted on August 16, 2021

Recognizing structural racism as a driving force of health inequities and a barrier to its goal of health equity, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield invites nonprofit organizations to apply for Health Equity Awards of up to $30,000 each to help fund health and wellness programs that address racial and ethnic health disparities in upstate New York. The application period opens on Tuesday, August 17 and closes at midnight, Friday, September 17.

 

“Excellus BlueCross BlueShield made a pledge to our employees, members, and communities that we will use our influence and resources to effect change,” says Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Corporate Diversity Relations Director Joseph Searles. “Through community investments such as this, we strive to improve access to care, advance specific health outcomes and support organizations in our community that share our mission.”

 

Nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations in Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s service territory are invited to apply for Health Equity Awards. Proposals must include clear, defined goals for reducing health disparities and improving health equity in communities of color, especially within Black and Latino communities, where historic and current racism and discrimination continues to result in a higher burden of health inequities and social disadvantages. Organizations will be required to specify how funding will measurably assist in improving racial and ethnic health equity outcomes. Health Equity categories include, but are not limited to:

  • Improving the community’s physical health and mental health
  • Reducing social disparities in health care
  • Ensuring access to health care

 

For additional information and the online application, please visit www.excellusbcbs.com/community, scroll to NEW! Health Equity Awards and click Submit Application. Proposals that have detailed scope, goals, rationale for support, and measures will receive the strongest consideration. Award winners will be announced in late October.

 

“As a company, we condemn hatred, discrimination, violence and injustice. We believe we all have a role to play in dismantling systemic racism. Inclusion, diversity, equity and access are fundamental to our organizational culture,” says Excellus BlueCross BlueShield President and CEO Jim Reed. “We have and will continue to commit ourselves to the equitable treatment of all people and the elimination of discrimination in all its forms.”

 

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield operates in 31 upstate New York counties, organized into four regions: the Rochester region, encompassing Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne and Yates counties; the Central New York region, which includes Cayuga, Cortland, Onondaga, Oswego and Tompkins counties; the Southern Tier region, including Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Tioga, Schuyler and Steuben counties; and the Utica region, comprising Clinton, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego and St. Lawrence counties.

 

The company’s corporate giving follows all applicable laws and regulations and does not support funding organizations that conflict with its corporate mission, goals, policies or products.

Other Member News

Wicked
October 1, 2025

Wicked to Return to Landmark Theatre Dec. 3–14, 2025

Winner of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, WICKED has been performed in over 100 cities in 16 countries around the world.

new partners graphic
October 1, 2025

New Partners-CEO Insights October 2025

Please join us in welcoming new CenterState CEO Partner-level members.   

member news graphic
September 30, 2025

Member Essentials-CEO Insights October 2025

Below is a snapshot of the latest news and top headlines from our members. We want to hear from you!

new investors graphic
September 30, 2025

New Investors-CEO Insights October 2025

CenterState CEO wishes to recognize the members who have recently joined as Investors.

Harris Beach Murtha
September 30, 2025

36 Harris Beach Murtha Attorneys Selected to 2025 Upstate New York Super Lawyers® and Super Lawyers: Rising Stars® Lists

Super Lawyers is a nationally recognized professional survey and ranking service of accomplished attorneys who have achieved a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement in more than 70 practice areas.

Mitch Nelson, Technician of the Year
September 30, 2025

Eastern Security Services Technician Receives National Distinction

The award highlights excellence in system design, installation, and maintenance while honoring the vital role technicians play in protecting people and property.

ambassadors sfcu graphic
September 30, 2025

Ambassadors-CEO Insights October 2025

Presented by SFCU

Dan and Andrea
September 29, 2025

FMF&E CPA, P.C. Announces New Managing Partner and Key Leadership Appointments

As the Firm celebrates its 45th year in business, this transition marks a significant milestone in the Firm’s continued growth and evolution.

KELLI ARNOLD NAMED CHIEF STRATEGY AND GROWTH OFFICER AT M3 PLACEMENT AND PARTNERSHIP
September 29, 2025

Kelli Arnold Named Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at M3 Placement and Partnership

Veteran banking executive to spearhead firm’s expansion into new markets and services.