Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) contributes to programs in communities that help better the overall health of communities across the state. This year, Blue Medicare members gave input to help make a difference for causes dedicated to better health outcomes for North Carolinians. Members chose where to direct funds in support of three nonprofits. The North Carolina Arts Foundation, Feeding the Carolinas and Special Olympics of North Carolina received contributions from Blue Cross NC totaling $90,000.

One in seven people in North Carolina are food insecure. North Carolina is among the 10 worst states for senior hunger, according to Feeding America.  Blue Cross NC is committed to fighting food insecurity for individuals and families in need across the state in collaboration with organizations like Feeding the Carolinas. The hunger relief organization serves all 100 counties in North Carolina by working with Food Banks, food pantries and meal programs to ensure families have enough to eat.

Blue Cross NC also pledged support to The North Carolina Arts Foundation which aims to help young people achieve success through arts programs. It also funds apprenticeships and after-school programs for traditional musicians, dancers and craft artists. They support arts programs in rural, urban and metropolitan counties across North Carolina.

A third donation to Special Olympics North Carolina helps bring sports to a wide audience and is a driving force for social inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.

“Arts programs and sports can serve as an outlet that improves health outcomes and a person’s overall well-being,” said Cheryl Parquet, Blue Cross NC Director of Community Engagement. “That’s why it’s important to make charitable contributions to organizations that give more North Carolinians the opportunity to be healthy.”