Four Libraries Awarded Grants through the Blue Cross Foundation
EAGAN, Minn. (Sept. 24, 2012) — The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation awarded four Minnesota libraries a total of $180,800 for projects that promote health equity in the communities. The libraries will work in collaboration with other area nonprofits. The libraries include Austin Public Library, Marshall-Lyon Public Library, Owatonna Public Library and Thorson Memorial Library in Elbow Lake.
“We recognize that libraries are key gathering places in communities and are a logical location to base programs that can help people be their healthiest,” said Stacey Millett, senior program officer for the Foundation. “We applaud the efforts of libraries to collaborate with other community nonprofits and are pleased to be able to support these projects.”
The library-based projects engage low-income communities and communities of color to improve health and build employment skills, educational opportunities, social connections and family support.
The program is part of a larger health equity initiative launched in 2011 that seeks to ensure that all Minnesotans have an equal opportunity to live a healthy life regardless of income, education, race and other socioeconomic factors that affect health.
For more information on Blue Cross’ grantmaking programs, call (651) 662-3950 or toll free at 1-866-812-1593, or visit our website.
Media Contact:
Shelley Lange
(651) 662-7841
Shelley.Lange@bluecrossmn.com