Community Impact

We’re nurturing healthier communities from within, championing the right to access affordable and high-quality care and improving health equity for all we serve.

The Giving Garden Brings Fresh Food to Wards 7 and 8

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.

New Offerings for Providers Support Healthier Communities

by CareFirst | October 27, 2022 | Community Impact

Husband and wife smiling

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.

Appreciating Diversity Within Diversity

by CareFirst | October 7, 2022 | Community Impact

A multiethnic work group

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.

CareFirst and SAFE Invest in the Futures of Baltimore Youth

by CareFirst | September 21, 2022 | Community Impact

A Group of children and adults stand in front of a grey brick building

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.

Addressing Food Insecurity, Economic Stability For Youth In Southwest Baltimore

by CareFirst | September 1, 2022 | Community Impact

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%.

Supporting Oral Health to Improve Overall Health in Underserved Communities

by CareFirst | August 19, 2022 | Community Impact

Volunteers

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.

Investing to Support Diverse Nonprofits and Small Businesses

by CareFirst | August 18, 2022 | Community Impact

Volunteers

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.

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Food Relief Program Donates Over 130,000 Meals

by CareFirst | August 10, 2022 | Community Impact

Volunteers packing box of food

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.

Working to Promote Health Equity

by CareFirst | July 25, 2022 | Community Impact

Girl eating an apple

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.

Investing $1.71M to Address the Diabetes Epidemic

by CareFirst | March 3, 2022 | Community Impact

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.

Feeding the Skilled Nursing Facilities 2021

by CareFirst | April 8, 2022 | Community Impact

group delivering boxes

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.

CareFirst Community Health & Social Impact Efforts

by CareFirst | December 3, 2021 | Community Impact

Woman sereving food

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.

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Week of Equity & Action 2021

by CareFirst | November 1, 2021 | Community Impact

Man holding sign. Be Authentic

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.

Community Report: Leading Through a Public Health Crisis

by CareFirst | September 30, 2021 | Community Impact

Socially distant group chat

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.

How Vaccines and Cycling can Help Combat COVID

by CareFirst | August 23, 2021 | Community Impact

Man riding bicycle

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.

Providing Additional Funds in Support of COVID-19 Relief

by CareFirst | October 4, 2021 | Community Impact

Men working in a workshop while wearing masks

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.

How Can We Make Things Better Than They Were Before?

by CareFirst | August 23, 2021 | Community Impact

Women in wheelchair shaking hands

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?

Event Recap: Reimagining the Workplace Post-COVID

by CareFirst | July 12, 2021 | Community Impact

Woman in wheelchair talking to two other people

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.

Return to the Office, Stay at the Kitchen Table, or Both?

by CareFirst | August 23, 2021 | Community Impact

man opening door to work

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.

Creating Conditions That Promote Health Equity

by CareFirst | August 13, 2021 | Community Impact

Volunteers handing out produce

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.

Joining the Healthcare Industry Because of the Changes in Healthcare

by CareFirst | July 23, 2021 | Community Impact

informal business meeting

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

The Keys to Reaching Immunity in Underserved Communities

by CareFirst | June 28, 2021 | Community Impact

mother and 3 daughters laughing

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.

Q&A: Better Together with Mary's Center

by Cierra Colon | May 7, 2021 | Community Impact

mother holding newborn baby

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.

How Grants Awarded to FQHCs Can Combat COVID-19 Vaccine Adoption

by CareFirst | May 21, 2021 | Community Impact

doctors and nurses in a meeting

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.

Making a Difference During COVID-19

by CareFirst | March 26, 2021 | Community Impact

Making a Difference During COVID-19

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.

Panel Discussion: Reaching Immunity Takes A Community

by Jen Presswood | February 24, 2021 | Community Impact

virtual panel discussion

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.

This is Our Shot to Leave COVID-19 Behind

by Jen Presswood | February 26, 2021 | Community Impact

It's our shot to leave COVID behind

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.

The Key to Leading During COVID-19: Partnerships in Support of Community Health

by Jen Presswood | February 25, 2021 | Community Impact

The Key to Leading During COVID-19: Partnerships in Support of Community Health

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.

Where Will Healthcare CEOs be Focusing Their Efforts in 2021?

by Jen Presswood | January 21, 2020 | Community Impact

CareFirst President & CEO Brian D. Pieninck

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.

A Better, Healthier ‘Normal’ can be Achieved

by Brian D. Pieninck, President & CEO | October 27, 2020 | Community Impact

Doctor patient consultation

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.