At CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), we go beyond traditional healthcare to advance positive health outcomes and provide an experience that meets the evolving needs of the people and communities we serve.
Driven by this mission, we create and support initiatives and innovations that tackle the root causes of health disparities and poor health outcomes. In 2024, we harnessed the power of partnerships, strategic investments and collaboration to solve the toughest health challenges.
Here are some of 2024’s top highlights:
- West Baltimore Community Hub: We opened our West Baltimore workspace at The Village at Mondawmin. This new space serves as a community hub for health and wellness resources, a location for our workforce development programs and support services accessible to all residents. The milestone emphasizes our commitment to community-centered healthcare and economic empowerment.
- Pediatric Mental Health Alliance: We formed a new alliance with Children’s National Hospital to address youth mental health, chronic conditions and overall pediatric health outcomes. Together, we increased reimbursement for preventive and mental health care training and programs to address community health initiatives, member benefit enhancements, and chronic conditions such as diabetes.
- 6th Annual Week of Equity and Action: We hosted our 6th annual Week of Equity and Action (WEA), bringing together over 6,000 of our employees, contingent workers and board members for educational sessions and volunteer opportunities. This year, we covered topics such as maternal health, mental health in the workplace and understanding unconscious bias. Nearly 500 Difference Makers volunteered over 1,000 hours of service at nearly 40 locations across the mid-Atlantic region.
- Healthworx Accelerator: Our innovation and investment arm, Healthworx, transformed its program, 1501 Health, into Healthworx Accelerator. The reimagined program now delivers exceptional value to health and wellness startups aiming to break into the industry in three months instead of twelve. Healthworx Accelerator welcomed Highmark, Inc. and LifeBridge Health as partners and had 20 startups in the first cohort.
We are immensely proud of our strides in 2024. Our achievements demonstrate our unwavering commitment to transforming healthcare and fostering health equity. However, our journey is far from complete. As healthcare evolves, so must our strategies and solutions. With a steadfast dedication to innovation and collaboration, we will continue to allocate our resources and expertise to address the ever-changing healthcare landscape. Together with our partners, we will shape a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and live fully.
To learn more about our efforts to transform healthcare, check out our 2024 Mission Report.
To learn more about CareFirst’s efforts to support our community, visit carefirst.com/transformation.
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is the shared business name of CareFirst of Maryland, Inc. and Group Hospitalization and Medical Services, Inc. which are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® Registered trademark of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.