PROVIDENCE – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island marked its 80th anniversary on Feb. 28 with the launch of its “80 Acts of Kindness – It’s What We Live For” initiative encouraging employees to expand the company’s volunteer and community activities to 80 in 2019.
The initiative builds on the company’s employee volunteer efforts, such as Blue across Rhode Island, an annual companywide day of service and one of the largest such volunteer days in the state.
“What an honor and privilege it is for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island to mark its 80th year today and reaffirm its commitment to the community through something as meaningful as the launch of 80 Acts of Kindness – It’s What We Live For,” said Blue Cross President and CEO Kim A. Keck. “Blue Cross is proud to call Rhode Island home, and in this, our 80th year, we are pleased to carry on our strong tradition that is reflected in our vision – to passionately lead a state of health and well-being across Rhode Island.”
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island was founded 80 years ago on Feb. 27, 1939, by the General Assembly through legislation creating the nonprofit Hospital Service Corp. of Rhode Island. In 1945, the General Assembly enacted legislation establishing the Medical Service Corp. The entities formed the core of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island as it is now known.
Today, Blue Cross is one of the state’s larger employers, providing an annual economic impact of $329 million in Rhode Island. Its three Your Blue Store retail locations offer a range of free fitness and nutrition classes, consultations with nurse care managers and up-to-date plan information, all in a community setting that offers members the option for personal service close to home.
Blue Cross has a history of volunteerism among its employees. In 2018, 70 percent of Blue Cross employees participated in service projects contributing 10,853 service hours and $1.3 million to more than 170 Rhode Island nonprofits.
As one of the 80 Acts of Kindness, Blue Cross has expanded its investment in #RecessRocksinRI by bringing the program to 80 schools in Rhode Island in 2019. Created in collaboration with Playworks New England and the Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition, the program is aimed at helping educators ensure students experience “safe, fun and healthy play at school every day.” As of this year, 80 schools across 26 districts in the state have participated in the program.
“We’re a proud Rhode Island company with deep local roots. Even as we enter a new decade, we recognize our responsibility to learn from the past so we can shape the future of health care,” Keck said. “We will continue to provide our members with access to the most cost-effective health care services, and to anticipate their needs so they can make the best decisions for their health and get the most out of the plans they purchase from us. Even beyond this promise, we will work to deliver a state of health and well-being across Rhode Island.”
Rob Borkowski is a PBN contributing writer.
