Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation Announces Grants to Advance Birth Equity and Improve Oral Health
EAGAN, MINN. (April 19, 2023) — The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation has awarded $400,000 in grant funding to support nonprofit organizations who deliver high-quality, culturally relevant patient-centered care — specifically prenatal and postpartum care and oral healthcare.
These grants are part of the Foundation’s Equitable Care and Coverage program, which seeks to increase healthcare coverage across Minnesota, support community solutions to accessing equitable care and increase awareness about communities most impacted by a lack of healthcare access.
“Research and lived experience have shown us time and again that health inequities are strongly rooted in racism, discrimination and marginalization of communities,” said Bukata Hayes, chair of the Blue Cross Foundation board, and vice president of racial and health equity and chief equity officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. “Research also tells us that healthcare that is culturally informed and patient-centered is linked to positive long-term health outcomes for children, families, and communities. With these grants, we’re proud to expand our efforts in increasing access to equitable care and coverage into the areas of birth equity and oral healthcare – areas that are critical in building healthy generations so everyone can achieve their healthiest life.”
The following organizations were selected to receive $100,000 in grant funding to support birth equity:
- African American Babies Coalition, St. Paul
- Northwest Indian Community Development Center, Bemidji
- Roots Community Birth Center, Minneapolis
In addition, Apple Tree Dental Clinic was selected to receive $100,000 in grant funding to support increasing access to oral health.
Read more about the grants here.