Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has opened the application portal for its 2025 Health Equity Innovation Awards, inviting nonprofit organizations to apply for funding that supports community-based solutions to health disparities. This annual funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations working to eliminate health disparities and improve health outcomes across upstate New York.
Excellus BCBS is proud to be one of only three health plans in New York State that has earned NCQA Health Equity Accreditation. The nonprofit is also the first and only health plan in the state to receive the accreditation for all its products including Commercial plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and plans on the New York State of Health Marketplace.
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations located within the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield service areas are encouraged to apply for funding to support innovative, community-based programs that advance health equity and improve health outcomes.
“The Health Equity Innovation Awards support our mission as a local health plan to improve the health of the communities we serve,” said Simone E. Edwards, DrPH, MPH, vice president of health equity and community investments at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “By investing in community-led solutions, we’re helping address the underlying factors that contribute to health disparities.”
Funding will be awarded to initiatives that align with one or more of the following priority areas:
•Chronic Disease Management – Prevention and treatment of conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease
•Maternal Health – Improving prenatal/postnatal care, maternal mental health, and reducing maternal mortality
•Mental & Behavioral Health – Expanding access, reducing stigma, and improving care delivery
•Social Determinants of Health – Addressing housing, education, employment, and social support
•Health Literacy – Empowering individuals through better understanding of health information
•Access to Care – Increasing availability through telehealth, mobile clinics, and community health workers
•Data & Technology – Leveraging digital tools to identify and reduce disparities
For more information and to apply, please visit the application portal at https://news.excellusbcbs.com/news-room/community-investments-partnerships. The application period runs through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 19.
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