Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has awarded over $500,000 in Health Equity Innovation Awards to 19 nonprofit organizations across upstate New York. The awards aim to address racial and ethnic health disparities by supporting programs that tackle the root causes of inequities and enhance community access to health services.
Selected from nearly 300 applications, the recipients include organizations in Rochester, Central New York, the Southern Tier, and the Utica/North Country regions. Funded initiatives focus on mental health, maternal health, food insecurity, and early intervention services.
“This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes across the communities we serve,” said a spokesperson for Excellus BCBS.
In Rochester, funding will support organizations like the Ibero American Action League for English classes, Prosper Rochester for student mental health services, and Rochester General Hospital for community CPR training.
In Central New York and the Southern Tier, programs range from maternal health care expansion through doula training by Cayuga County Community Health Network to food access solutions like a mobile grocery bus in Broome County. Other initiatives include support for mental health education, recovery services, and combating social isolation among seniors.
The awards highlight a regional commitment to equitable healthcare. For more information, visit the Excellus BCBS website.
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