Community Impact

This Black History Month, CareFirst is honoring community partners who are breaking down systemic barriers and creating opportunities for healthier, more equitable futures. From strengthening nonprofit leadership to preserving Black history and supporting Black women entrepreneurs, these organizations show how community-centered solutions drive lasting impact.

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CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is improving behavioral health access through sustained investment and trusted community health partnerships. In the second year of their grants, CareFirst collaborated with 19 grantees to deliver targeted support and expand services, benefiting over 18,500 youth and strengthening the behavioral health workforce.

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) prioritizes community partnerships and interventions that advance the care that is right for them. In Northern Virginia, behavioral and mental health are top concerns for residents. While the pandemic exacerbated behavioral health issues for communities, it also shed light on an array of existing challenges.

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CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) recently hosted our 6th Annual Week of Equity & Action. The event strengthens our commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable company culture where all employees, executives, leadership and board members listen, learn and act to further our mission of advancing affordable, accessible and equitable healthcare for all. This year’s programming was dedicated to the theme of “Together we learn. Together we grow. Together we thrive.”

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As one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations with headquarters in Maryland, addressing barriers to good health for the people and communities in the state is a high priority for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst). Access to care is a significant challenge in rural communities, and to address these barriers, CareFirst proudly supported the Mountain Maryland Medical Mission and Innovative Readiness Training Program (IRT) in Allegany County.

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CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) proudly hosted the DC Chamber of Commerce 2024 Health Policy Forum focused on advancing a health system in the District of Columbia that works best for all. The event, hosted at the CareFirst D.C. headquarters, fostered discussion on the health challenges our Washington, D.C. communities face, especially pertaining to access, affordability, quality and equity, key pieces of CareFirst’s mission we work tirelessly to address alongside partners like the DC Chamber of Commerce.

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CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) was pleased to host the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovations (the Department’s) regional training event at our Canton headquarters. The Department, created in January 2023 by Governor Wes Moore and his administration, prioritizes service in communities across Maryland. One of the Department’s first initiatives was creating the SERVE Act, which established two new streams of service—Maryland Corp and Service Year Option. The program recently graduated its inaugural class.

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At CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), we prioritize connections with our community to ensure collaboration that furthers health equity and advances affordable, accessible, quality care for all. One of the incredible leaders who works tirelessly to make those connections is Jeanine Finch, an External Affairs Manager at our organization who works with and for the Northern Virginia region. We congratulate Jeanine on being recognized by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce as one of 40 leaders under 40 years old who have a powerful impact on the thriving business community in Alexandria, Virginia. Honorees of this award come from all industries and backgrounds, and Jeanine is recognized for her tireless commitment to advancing a thriving Alexandria community.

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Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is at the heart of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield’s (CareFirst) mission, goals and business decisions as one of the country’s largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations representing a large, diverse member population. As a core value, we promote a diverse workforce through various programs and seek out opportunities in our strategic planning to support DEI for women and employees from all backgrounds. CareFirst is proud to be a recipient of the 2024 Honor Roll Designation by Executive Alliance. Directly reflecting our company values, this award recognizes the representation of women at the highest levels in Maryland businesses and organizations.

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Diabetes is a pervasive health issue in the U.S., affecting nearly 1 in 10 Americans, with an additional 88 million adults at risk of developing the disease. The economic ramifications are staggering, contributing significantly to healthcare costs to the tune of $327 billion annually through both direct medical costs and the toll of reduced productivity. 

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Welcome to the CareFirst Engagement Center (CEC), where health isn't just a card in your pocket but a partner in your life. It's where you can access the tools and resources you need, regardless of your insurance status. This groundbreaking initiative is a testament to CareFirst's commitment to improving the lives of its members and the broader community. 

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To address health inequities our healthcare systems, including payers, providers and public health systems, must work collectively to create ecosystems that make it easy for all people to be healthy. In 2022, the Health Equity Fund was established to improve health outcomes for all Washington, D.C. residents, with a laser focus on those residents who have been historically disadvantaged. 

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CareFirst submitted comments on a Federal proposed rule that, if finalized, would expand access to healthcare coverage for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. We believe everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity or citizenship status, deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare.

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CareFirst recognizes the impact unmet social needs like food security have on the health of our communities. As part of our mission to reduce disparities in health outcomes, we strongly support two Federal proposed rules that, if finalized, would expand access to no-cost meals for children and nutritious foods for families.

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On Tuesday, March 14th, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) hosted a timely thought leadership discussion on Behavioral Health. The event convened a group of Behavioral Health thought leaders and partners at Whitman-Walker Health's new event space, "The Corner," to discuss the connection between workforce development, economic opportunity, and access to behavioral healthcare for youth in historically low-income communities and communities of color.

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Kimberly Harris, Director of Community Health and Social Impact for the National Capital Area at CareFirst, spoke with WTOP News about CareFirst’s community efforts including partnerships and investments to better health outcomes in the mid-Atlantic region.

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CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield recently had the opportunity to provide a written testimony in favor of more equitable and inclusive transit-oriented development in the state of Maryland. Tricia Swanson shared a testimony in support of House Bill 12 (HB 12), Equitable and Inclusive Transit-Oriented Development Enhancement Act, as it would establish a capital grant and revolving loan fund to promote equitable and inclusive development around State-designated Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) sites to bring more TODs benefits to communities around Maryland.

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Earlier this year, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) commissioned NORC at the University of Chicago—an independent, nonpartisan research organization—to perform a field survey.

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Kimberly Harris, Director of Community Health and Social Impact for the National Capital Area at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, moderated a panel with The Healthcare Financial Management Association where she and community partners discussed how economic inclusion impacts overall health.

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More people today are living with diabetes than ever before. CareFirst is advancing a multi-pronged approach to help drive down costs associated with diabetes care and promote preventative healthcare measures for individuals living with diabetes through advocacy and partnerships, community support, and complete care solutions.

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Kimberly Harris, Director of Community Health and Social Impact for the National Capital Area at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, moderated a panel with The Healthcare Financial Management Association where she and community partners discussed how economic inclusion impacts overall health.

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CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) has partnered with the Washington Nationals to support Building Bridges Across the River (BBAR) through the Giving Garden, which puts approximately 12 tons of produce into the hands of residents in Wards 7 and 8 annually.

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In 2021, CareFirst invested $25.8 million through more than 350 unique, regional nonprofit partnerships to address social determinants of health and advance positive systemic and environmental change. Learn more about our funding priorities.

At CareFirst, we understand the value of good relationships between us, providers and our member populations. Our relationship with provider’s translates to a good member experience, and that’s why we’ve redesigned our On-Demand Provider Courses page on the Learning and Engagement Center, so providers can find training opportunities that pertain to their role and specialty.

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A. Tonya Odom, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, recently shared with AFRO American Newspapers the key differences between categorization and bias. She also discusses with the Baltimore Business Journal how companies are rethinking DEI to promote a healthy work culture.

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CareFirst Difference Makers and our Community Health and Social Impact team recently spent the day at the Safe Alternative Foundation for Education, Inc. (SAFE), one of the organizations that received funds during this round, where they learned about their programming and worked with kids on woodworking.

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Increasing access to affordable, high-quality healthcare for our members and those living in the communities we serve continues to be a top priority for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst). But we know medical care is estimated to only account for 10-20% of a person’s overall health, with social, economic and environmental factors accounting for the remaining 80-90%.

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The CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan of Maryland is providing six, $50,000 grants to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) throughout Maryland to increase community-based, patient-directed dental health care. The $300,000 in funding will support additional staff, preventative and routine oral treatments, patient engagement and community outreach, and a spectrum of dental services for under- and uninsured clients.

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CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) recently announced a grant investment of up to $2.2 million to 16 small businesses and diverse nonprofits in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia collectively serving over 30,000 people. These grants will provide resources and guidance to new and existing nonprofits and small businesses to address obstacles that negatively impact company growth, scalability and long-term sustainability.

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As part of CareFirst's ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity in our service region, we created the Community Food Relief Program. We are proud to announce the program has surpassed 130,000 meals delivered to underserved populations experiencing food insecurity throughout the region.

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To improve the quality of care for historically excluded populations, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) has launched a Health Equity web page for healthcare delivery partners.

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CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield recently announced grant recipients of $1.71 million to combat the diabetes epidemic. The investment was distributed to 27 organizations across Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, Washington, D.C. (Wards 7 and 8), Western Maryland, Northern Virginia, Southern Maryland, Central Maryland and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

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At CareFirst, we are committed to addressing food insecurity in our service region, and healthcare workers are often overlooked in interventions. From Dec. 27- Dec. 31, 2021, CareFirst partnered with local catering companies to provide nearly 3,000 meals to 24 skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and long-term acute care facilities in our service area.

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Dr. Destiny-Simone Ramjohn, Vice President of Community Health & Social Impact for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield discusses work in support of our communities as health begins in our homes, schools, workplaces, and in our neighborhoods and communities.

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From October 18-22, 2021, CareFirst hosted its 2nd Annual Week of Equity & Action, which serves as an opportunity for our employees to listen, learn and act—giving employees the tools to cultivate empathy and understanding of each other in the workplace and the community.

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CareFirst was featured in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) annual Community Investment Report highlighting efforts aligned with investing $6.8 million since the start of the pandemic in 2020.

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As the new Delta variant spreads, it remains critically important for individuals to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. CareFirst’s Dr. Yvette Oquendo-Berruz explains how vaccines and physical activity can help individuals positively navigate the pandemic.

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CareFirst recently announced plans to commit an additional $2.2 million to total $8 million invested in COVID-19 relief to community organizations on the front lines of the pandemic.

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Brian Pieninck, President and Chief Executive Officer for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, recently authored a commentary piece on a new and better “normal,” posing the question of what new normal are we willing to accept?

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The Baltimore and Washington Business Journals recently partnered with CareFirst to host a virtual event discussing how the pandemic has forced employers to address new workforce and workplace realities.

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Angela Celestin, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer, CareFirst, recently shared insights with the Business Journals on the future of the workplace post-pandemic and strategies to keep employees energized whether at home, in the office or a hybrid of the two.

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Destiny-Simone Ramjohn, Vice President of Community Health and Social Impact for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, spoke with David Nevins at CityBizList on pandemic related philanthropic initiatives and CareFirst’s priorities post-pandemic.

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Angela Celestin, EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer, CareFirst, recently spoke with Managed Healthcare Executive magazine about her experience as a human resources executive.

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CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield recently hosted a town hall discussion around “Access and Equity: The Keys to Reaching Immunity in Underserved Communities,” moderated by Dr. Destiny Simone-Ramjohn.

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In the following Q&A, CareFirst talks with Mary's Center about how COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted some of the District's most vulnerable residents and how funding from CareFirst will help D.C. communities break free from the unrelenting grip of the pandemic.

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Destiny-Simone Ramjohn, Vice President of Community Health and Social Impact, recently spoke to The AFRO about grants awarded to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in support of removing barriers to the COVID-19 vaccine to combat racial disparities in vaccine distribution and adoption.

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From the very start of the pandemic, CareFirst has been there for its members, employers, healthcare partners, employees and communities. See some of the ways we've offered support to those we serve thus far.

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See CareFirst’s new public health ad urging people to get vaccinated when they can. The TV spot, part of CareFirst’s new Better Together campaign to support the nation’s historic vaccine effort, recently aired in local markets.

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CareFirst expands the impact of its Better Together COVID-19 vaccination adoption campaign during a virtual panel discussion, inviting fellow community leaders to take a pledge to educate and encourage their employees to get vaccinated when they’re able.

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The following panel discussion features CareFirst executives highlighting leadership efforts throughout the pandemic while sharing tangible information to encourage businesses to define their way of assisting, advocating and educating alongside fellow Baltimore businesses.

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Online publisher Health Evolution sat down with industry leaders, including CareFirst’s President and CEO, Brian D. Pieninck, to talk about trends that will continue to shape healthcare.

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CareFirst President & CEO Brian D. Pieninck explains why now is the time to seize the opportunity to reimagine a new healthcare system—one rooted in value, not volume.

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