Ready to help
Our Community Responsibility team works arm-in-arm with nonprofit organizations which share our goals of improving individual and community well-being, and helping ensure access to quality health care for all Michigan residents. Through these relationships, we proudly demonstrate our commitment to being a trusted community partner, and always ready to help.
Blue Cross presents new Mental Health Toolkit for statewide community partners
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan continues our focus on improving whole person well-being. In a post-pandemic landscape, more than one-third of adults report being diagnosed or self-identifying as having a mental health condition, including substance use disorders and suicidal ideation. These concerns are affecting Michigan residents of all ages and backgrounds. As part of our outreach and in observation of May, National Mental Health Awareness Month, Blue Cross has created this new Mental Health Toolkit as a resource for our statewide partners to use to address this public health crisis and connect individuals to trained mental health professionals and other services.
The toolkit features five weekly messages, along with article links and related images, to help bring awareness to mental health. By addressing the stigma of mental illness, focusing on mental wellness, knowing the signs of mental illness and substance abuse, and learning about ways to help prevent suicide, we all make a difference during Mental Health Awareness month and throughout the year.
Sickle cell awareness
September is also Sickle Cell Awareness Month. This year Blue Cross selected sickle cell disease as one of our annual community health focuses. Sickle cell is a genetic condition affecting every blood vessel, organ and system in the body, and while its severity impacts individuals uniquely, the most universal symptom is excruciating, unpredictable pain. Persons of African American descent, and other populations of color are most affected.
In west Michigan we partnered with the Kent County, Kalamazoo-Muskegon Black Nurses Association, and First Community AME Church in Grand Rapids to present a Sickle Cell Town Hall on Sept. 23, 2023. We also worked with the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute, or GRAAHI, to spread awareness through sickle cell pamphlets, supporting a blood drive at their Rhythm Run on August 19, and as part of the presentations at their Health Disparities Summit on October 9.
In southeast Michigan, we were a top sponsor of the annual Sickle Cell Matters Walk held at the Charles H. Wright African American Museum in Detroit. Statewide, Blue Cross created and developed a toolkit to help educate the community on the condition and bring awareness to those living with this debilitating disease.
A statewide presence
Corporate volunteer program
Blue Cross employees have a long history of volunteering in communities across Michigan. Each year, thousands of employees donate their time to support events and projects that contribute to the health and vitality of Michigan. Our executives are also involved throughout Michigan, with many taking part in an Executive Volunteer Program that matches Blue Cross leaders to the boards of several statewide nonprofit organizations. If you're interested in recruiting a team of Blue Cross volunteers for your event, please contact us.
Advisory councils
Blue Cross convenes nine community advisory councils across the state, comprising local leaders and advocates. Each council meets three times a year to discuss community concerns and needs along with opportunities for collaboration. In each area we invite representatives across the community to participate, such as those from faith-based, cultural and community centers, multi-generational and diversity agencies, grassroots and educational organizations, local government, human services and health care, as well as other nonprofits. If you're interested in joining a community advisory council in your area, please contact us.
Contact your regional oversight team member
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has dedicated Community Responsibility team members in all parts of the state. Please check our Regional Oversight Map (PDF) to connect with the representative in your area.
Interested in learning more?
Our Community Outreach and Community Responsibility Reports provide detailed information on Blue Cross’ community commitments throughout Michigan.
Request a contribution
All requests must be from Michigan-based 501(c)(3) organizations working to improve health and health care in Michigan. We accept applications for corporate contributions throughout the year.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan welcomes contribution requests throughout the year from Michigan-based and focused 501(c)(3) organizations seeking funding for programs and activities that:
- Enhance the quality of life for Michigan residents in Michigan communities
- Promote good health in diverse populations, and among youth and seniors
- Improve community health by removing barriers to access of care and quality of care
- Address specific health needs through encouraging healthy lifestyles and behaviors
Corporate contributions will not be normally made for the following:
- In the name of any past or current employee to nonprofit organizations
- Alumni associations
- Individual scholarships
- University or college chairs
- Endowments of any kind
- Any programs outside of Michigan
- Organizations devoted exclusively to research projects
- Political organizations or sectarian programs for religious purposes
- Group travel expenses
- Extracurricular school activities such as sports, band, etc.
- Community sports leagues
- Fund-raising activities related to individual sponsorships such as walk-a-thons, etc.
- Capital campaigns
Don't meet the contribution guidelines? Here are some options.
Social Mission health grants
With grants like Strengthening the Safety Net and Building Healthy Communities, we work with schools and clinics to make the future healthier.
The BCBSM Foundation
Our grants support researchers, students and organizations searching for health care solutions in Michigan.