PBN Diversity and Inclusion Awards 2021
Health Care: Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island
With a vision of leading a statewide movement of health and well-being, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island foresees shifting from sick care to well care. With that goal, Blue Cross’ commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives impact the community and its members and associates.
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“BCBSRI programming reinforces the notion that health is so much more than what happens in traditional health care spaces,” said Carolyn Belisle, managing director of corporate social responsibility at the Providence-based health insurer. “Our environments and ZIP codes, our experiences and histories, and how we operate and move through the world contribute greatly to our health outcomes.”
To that end, in collaboration with the Brown University School of Public Health, Blue Cross launched its RI Life Index, which identifies the most challenging social determinants impacting Rhode Islanders’ quality of life. Based on recent data, Blue Cross is focusing on expanding access to safe and affordable housing; its BlueAngel Community Health Grant Program has donated $1.2 million to 14 housing-related organizations.
Other community-centric DEI initiatives include: in 2020, its BlueAngel Community Investment program donated more than $3 million to organizations advancing health equity, including the Rhode Island Free Clinic and Thundermist Health Center. Since 2016, Blue Cross has certified more than 40 Safe Zone providers/sites catering to LGBTQ individuals’ needs; since 2014, Blue Cross annually hosts six or seven Cranston student interns who develop job skills and gain work experience through Project SEARCH, which aims to secure employment for those with disabilities. In 2020, its BlueAngel initiatives supported 200 organizations through in-kind donations, volunteerism or financial support, which benefited 56,646 Rhode Islanders. Currently, the company’s leaders serve on the boards of more than 30 nonprofit organizations.
Blue Cross has begun offering its Medicare Advantage members access to transportation, healthy foods, free Zoom fitness classes and social activities.
“We’re committed to keeping our members connected to these resources that help their lives, beyond just showing up in a doctor’s office,” Belisle said.
‘This work is not about checking boxes; it’s a promise to continue to grow and learn and be better.’
CAROLYN BELISLE, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island managing director of corporate social responsibility
Members now may identify their gender with a nonbinary “X.” Those whose first language is Spanish or Portuguese can speak with associates fluent in those languages and receive basic health care guides in Spanish or Portuguese.
At Blue Cross, where more than 60% of the top leadership is female, all associates must attend a half-day “Understanding Unconscious Bias” training session.
Associates may join one or more of the employee business resource groups, which address diverse populations, including those who are Black and African American, LGBTQ, Latinx, and working parents. In addition, individuals with disabilities or military backgrounds also have EBRGs, as do early-career Blue Cross associates.
“We’ve empowered associates through these groups … to provide platforms for them to be a part of change and feel a part of the BCBSRI family, which has been very valuable during COVID,” said Jenny Bautista-Ravreby, diversity, equity and inclusion manager.
The EBRGs often initiate programming, including a recent pregnancy and infant loss awareness program.
“These topics are often taboo, and the program was spearheaded by our Black Council @ Blue and Parents@Work EBRGs,” Bautista-Ravreby said.
These EBRGs are supported by the company’s 15-member Diversity Council, whose initiatives have led to adding gender pronouns to email signatures (in collaboration with the Blue pRide EBRG) and celebrating Diversity Week last June, which featured diverse programs.
National recognition abounds: In 2021, Blue Cross earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, designating it as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality, and was also named a Best Place to Work for Disability Equality by the American Association of People with Disabilities. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services awarded a five-star rating, the highest possible, to Blue Cross’ 2022 Medicare Advantage health maintenance organization and preferred provider organization plans for their exceptional quality, plan performance and member experiences.
“For a long time, there’s been a mentality of ‘let’s provide everyone with equal resources’ and we’re seeing a shift towards focusing on equity,” Bautista-Ravreby said. “We want to provide folks exactly what they need to thrive and be successful.”
“This work is not about checking boxes; it’s a promise to continue to grow and learn and be better,” Belisle said. “There’s always work to be done. It’s all-hands-on-deck for us as an entire organization.”
