Feeding the Skilled Nursing Facilities 2021
In the fall of 2021, a report by Health Affairs showed that 19.7% of healthcare workers had recently faced food insecurity. Modern Healthcare reported that “the problem is the worst in nursing homes, where 22.7% of healthcare support workers, people who work as aides and assistants, reported lacking access to enough food.”
At CareFirst, we are committed to addressing food insecurity in our service region. From Dec. 27- Dec. 31, 2021, CareFirst partnered with local catering companies and restaurants to provide nearly 3,000 meals to 24 skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and long-term acute care facilities in our service area.
Skilled nursing and long-term acute care facilities continued to care for our most vulnerable community members as COVID-19 positivity rates spiked higher than ever, leading to the holidays. They also provided increased emotional support as facilities could not permit visitors on and off throughout the pandemic.
“While a meal cannot compare to the extraordinary efforts of our healthcare heroes this year, we hope it shows our sincere gratitude for the care you have consistently demonstrated throughout the pandemic.”
Brian D. Pieninck, President & CEO of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Organizations that received meals include:
- Genesis Healthcare – Salisbury Rehab and Nursing Center
- Peak Healthcare – The Pines
- Resorts at Chester River Manor
- Genesis Healthcare – Waldorf Center
- BridgePoint Sub-Acute & Rehabilitation National Harbor
- Capitol City Rehab and Healthcare Center
- FutureCare Capital Region
- Shady Grove Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
- Citizens Care and Rehabilitation Center of Frederick
- Sterling Care South Mountain
- FutureCare Cold Spring
- Communicare Holly Hill Healthcare Center
- Autumn Lake Riverview
- Oakwood Care Center
- Lorien Mays Chapel
- Keswick Multi-Care Center
- St. Mary’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
- Woodbine Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center
- Genesis Healthcare – Doctors Community Rehabilitation and Patient Care Center
- Lifebridge – Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center & Hospital
- Hebrew Home of Greater Washington
Local restaurants and caters include:
This initiative is part of CareFirst’s larger commitment to address food insecurity within our region. Last year, the company organized the donation of meals to all Emergency Room staff in every hospital in our service area.
