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Applications open February 15, 2023

ALBUQUERQUE — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) is launching a new major grant program as part of a refreshed community investment strategy focused on social determinants of health (SDOH). The new Blue Impact℠ grants and other BCBSNM community investments will more directly target the social and economic factors that play a role in health and wellness in our communities. The Blue Impact grants will invest more than $800,000 in our communities statewide.

BCBSNM is accepting applications for the Blue Impact grants program from Feb. 15 through March 31 for programs occurring from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Applying organizations must have 501(c)(3) status. To learn more about Blue Impact grants and the application process, visit bcbsnm.com and look for the Blue Impact grants link under Company Information. All applications must be submitted online.

“We have worked in close collaboration with community organizations and partners, leveraging their knowledge, experience and talents on a local level to help support healthier communities,” said Janice Torrez, BCBSNM president. “We’re continuing to build on that model and are refining how we believe we can make a difference.”

Nationally, it’s estimated that more than 50% of poor health outcomes are driven by SDOH factors and BCBSNM is aligning to areas where data shows we can make an impact. 

The Blue Impact grant program replaces BCBSNM’s Healthy Kids, Healthy Families^® grants and better reflects BCBSNM’s refined focus on supporting the health of more New Mexicans. Grants are just one of the ways BCBSNM supports local communities — the company’s community investments also include additional grants and sponsorships, as well as in-kind donations, volunteerism and disaster relief. Moving forward, all BCBSNM’s community supports will align under five strategic areas of focus to better support our umbrella mission of expanding access to care.

The new focus areas are:  

• Economic Opportunity and Stability: Addressing issues such as poverty, removing barriers to employment, providing good jobs and upskilling.
• Nutrition: Supporting efforts to decrease hunger and increase access to nutritional food.
• Neighborhood and Local Assets: Focusing on affordable healthy housing, access to transportation and access to physical activity.
• Locally Defined Health Solutions: Addressing local health and human service needs.
• Optimal Health Outcomes: Helping close gaps in care, specifically around six priority areas: immunizations, diabetes care, cardiovascular care, behavioral health, early detection cancer screening and maternal and infant health.

To learn more about how we are making a difference, please check out our 2022 Community Social Responsibility Report. 

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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is one of the largest commercial health insurers in New Mexico with 700,000 New Mexicans carrying a Blue Cross and Blue Shield card. Since 1940, BCBSNM has been committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSNM is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 

Media Contacts 

Laurie Volkin 
Laurie_Volkin@bcbsnm.com
505-414-5928

Ashley B. Martinez
Ashley_B_Martinez@bcbsnm.com
505-816-2659