Healthy Blue Louisiana Invests Over $2.7 Million to Transform Lives, Strengthen Communities and Elevate Health Across the State

BATON ROUGE, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to community resilience and support, Healthy Blue Louisiana has invested more than $2.7 million in strategic initiatives across the state. These investments address key areas such as workforce development, education, maternal and infant health, food insecurity, and community support, underscoring the health plan’s dedication to improving the economic vitality and well-being of Louisiana residents.

Empowering Education with Endowed Scholarships – Over $1.3 Million

As part of its efforts to nurture future leaders, Healthy Blue Louisiana has allocated more than $1.3 million to endowed scholarships for students at leading academic institutions. Unlike one-time scholarships, these endowed scholarships provide sustainable aid by keeping the principal investment intact, while earning interest to support students year after year and create a lasting educational legacy that benefits future generations.

Supporting Maternal and Infant Health – $600,000

With an initial $600,000 investment in the health literacy app Unimed, Healthy Blue is striving to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. This app supports individuals with chronic illnesses and empowers expectant mothers to navigate the healthcare system, aiming to reduce Louisiana's infant and maternal mortality rates.

Enhancing Workforce Development – $455,000

Healthy Blue Louisiana has invested $455,000 in initiatives to enhance the state's workforce readiness. Investments include $100,000 each to the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute and Dillard Culinary to advance culinary education, $150,000 to the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts to bolster programs in the arts, and $100,000 to the Louisiana Leadership Institute to cultivate essential leadership skills. Additionally, $100,000 has been integrated into Community Health Worker programs at New Orleans East Hospital to boost healthcare accessibility and professional growth.

Addressing Food Insecurity – Over $350,000

Recognizing the critical role of access to nutritious food, Healthy Blue has committed over $350,000 to combat food insecurity. Initiatives include support for the Baton Rouge Community College Food Pantry, with a $10,000 allocation, and efforts to expand food pantry services through the Louisiana Community Technical College System Foundation. These initiatives are just examples of how Healthy Blue is providing immediate relief and building a foundation for sustainable solutions that support communities in need.

Strengthening Community Support – Over $90,000

Through diverse support programs totaling more than $90,000, Healthy Blue is enhancing community engagement and accessibility to essential resources. The LCMC Health Faith-Based Initiative received $50,000 to improve health outcomes through partnerships with faith-based organizations. Other Healthy Blue support initiatives include $10,000 allocated for bike giveaways to promote active living, as well as continued support for food pantry services to alleviate hunger and support academic success.

"Healthy Blue Louisiana is embracing opportunities to create lasting, positive transformations in our communities,” said Dr. Christy Valentine Theard, President of Healthy Blue Louisiana. “Our recent investments mark the beginning of several strategic efforts to enhance education, improve healthcare access, support workforce development, and combat food insecurity across the state. By partnering with local organizations and committing to innovative solutions, we are confident we can expand our initiatives and nurture healthier, more vibrant communities across Louisiana. We anticipate announcing new projects and collaborations as we continue our mission to drive positive change and strengthen our state."

ABOUT HEALTHY BLUE LOUISIANA

Healthy Blue is a managed healthcare provider that has been serving the state since 2012, and currently serves the state’s Medicaid, Medicaid Expansion and LaCHIP programs. Healthy Blue, a joint venture between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana and Anthem Partnership Holding Company, LLC (parent company, Anthem, Inc.), recognizes the challenges low-income and underserved individuals face, and tailors its programs such that health plan members are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Healthy Blue provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage members to become active participants in their healthcare. Also, through health education programs, members are empowered to choose and sustain healthy lifestyles. To learn more about Healthy Blue, visit www.myhealthybluela.com and follow the company on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) @HealthyBlueLA, and on LinkedIn @healthy-blue-louisiana.