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.

Investing $1.71M to Address the Diabetes Epidemic

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield recently announced grant recipients of $1.71 million to combat the diabetes epidemic. The investment was distributed to 27 organizations.

Feeding the Skilled Nursing Facilities 2021

by CareFirst | April 8, 2022 | Community Impact

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

by CareFirst | August 23, 2021 | Community Impact

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.

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.

Creating Conditions That Promote Health Equity

by CareFirst | August 13, 2021 | Community Impact

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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.