Three Public Libraries Awarded Grants through Blue Cross Foundation
EAGAN, Minn. (July 11, 2013) — The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation awarded three Minnesota libraries a total of $157,327 for projects that promote health equity in communities. The libraries will work in collaboration with other area nonprofits. The libraries include Duluth Public Library, Hennepin County Central Library in Minneapolis and Rochester Public Library.
“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 to improve health and build employment skills, educational opportunities, social connections and family support. Specific projects include:
- Duluth: The grant will offer health insurance coverage enrollment and literacy programs at two branch libraries serving predominately low-income families, working with Generations Health Care Initiatives.
- Hennepin County: The grant will be used to enhance services to homeless patrons and attract more low-income patrons, including teens, by expanding resources, programs and partnerships.
- Rochester: The library will enhance services to low-income, transitional housing and homeless patrons by creating and sustaining a Wellness Corner with local partners.
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