Six Rochester-area nonprofits are getting a boost from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield to close care gaps and make healthcare more accessible for those who need it most. The support comes through Excellus's 2025 Health Equity Innovation Awards, which fund grassroots efforts to improve health outcomes and tackle issues like food insecurity, mental health access, and chronic disease in underserved communities.
These Rochester-area organizations are rolling out creative, community-focused programs with their award funding. Coordinated Care Services Inc. is providing low-income clients with welcome packages at their first counseling visits. Each kit includes essentials, self-care items, and resource referrals. Staff are also being trained in trauma-informed care as part of the pilot. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wayne County is combining fitness and nutrition for older adults. Their Wellness in Motion program helps reduce fall risk and boost overall health through education and activity.
Enlace is helping people with limited English skills navigate healthcare by using wearable QR codes. The codes link to personalized health resources and telehealth guidance. Mt. Hope Family Center is removing a key barrier to mental health care -- transportation. Their new program ensures low-income families can get to therapy and support sessions. Regional Health Reach Inc. is sending a nurse practitioner and therapist out to unsheltered populations in Rochester. Their mobile outreach brings mental health and preventive care straight to people on the streets. ROC the Future Alliance is teaming up with pediatricians to "prescribe" PreK enrollment during wellness visits -- helping more kids get a jumpstart on education.
These six are part of a larger effort. Across upstate New York, 22 organizations were selected from nearly 300 applicants. Each project was shaped by local needs assessments to address the most pressing health challenges in their area. "We support these programs because they align with our mission to help people live healthier lives," said Dr. Simone Edwards, Excellus's vice president for health equity and community investments. "By partnering with organizations that are deeply connected to their communities, we're helping to create sustainable solutions that make a meaningful difference in people's lives."
To learn more about Excellus BlueCross BlueShield's community programs, visit ExcellusBCBS.com/community.