Baltimore/Washington, D.C. – Today, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), one of the country’s largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations, announced the launch of their next round of grant funding to combat diabetes. Recognizing that 80% of an individual’s health is influenced by factors beyond the confines of a doctor’s office, CareFirst’s ongoing commitment aligns a comprehensive strategy to address social drivers of health and reduce disparities for communities in need.
“People with high social risks are two to four times more likely to develop diabetes; therefore, this latest grant reflects our dedication to reducing health disparities and ensuring that all members of our community have the resources they need to live healthier lives,” said Lester Davis, who leads the teams championing community and public health initiatives as CareFirst’s Vice President, Chief of Staff. “By supporting initiatives that enhance nutritional security, promote food as medicine and educate communities on healthy eating, CareFirst aims to create a comprehensive approach to diabetes prevention and management.”
The “Place-Based Diabetes Grant Program” will empower local organizations working to make a meaningful impact on diabetes care across the mid-Atlantic in three proposed interventions:
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- Nutritional Security for Diet-Related Chronic Conditions: Providing free fresh food to prevent and treat diabetes can yield a more than 40% decrease in the risk of death or serious complications; therefore, to transform the health of communities, it is critical to increase the availability of fresh and locally grown food in communities to promote health of all residents.
- Food is Medicine Interventions: In alignment with recommendations from the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health, CareFirst seeks to support collaborations for evidence-informed Food is Medicine interventions to reduce the incidence and prevalence of diet-related chronic conditions. One in nine Marylanders and one in eight District residents are food insecure; therefore, programs or initiatives that recognize and respond to the link between food and health are impactful in addressing the diabetes epidemic.
- Community Food Literacy and Nutrition Education: Recognizing diabetes is in the top ten leading causes of death on an annual basis, implementing interventions that equip and empower individuals with knowledge and agency to access local, nutritious food is a vital resource for combating diabetes.
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“Community-centered initiatives focused on where people live, play and thrive address the policies, systems, and structures that impact access to healthy, affordable food and well-being in communities,” said Kimberly Harris, CareFirst’s Director of Community Health and Social Impact. “Through this grant, we hope to foster innovative approaches and strengthen the capacity of organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for those living with or at risk for diabetes.”
The opportunity is open to groups or organizations that qualify as tax exempt and maintain designation under section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, organizations must operate in CareFirst’s service area, which comprises Maryland, Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia (east and north of Route 123) and not actively be engaged in a request for proposal.
Grant recipients will be announced in the Fall of 2024. Eligible organizations are invited to submit a letter of intent by July 19, 2024. CareFirst encourages applications from a diverse array of organizations, including but not limited to healthcare providers, non-profits, and community groups. To determine eligibility and view detailed criteria and submission guidelines, visit: https://individual.carefirst.com/community/funding-opportunities/current-opportunities.page.
About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
In its 87th year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit healthcare company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.5 million individuals in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. In 2023, CareFirst infused $233 million in support of regional community impact to improve overall health and advance accessible, affordable, equitable, high-quality healthcare. To learn more about CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, visit www.carefirst.com.
