Home Find a Health Insurance Plan Find a Health Care Provider For Members For Employers For Health Care Providers
Helping Hands. Making a difference through community outreach.

Press Release

Independence Blue Cross Participates in National Volunteer Conference

Philadelphia, PA - July 16, 2007 - Showcasing Independence Blue Cross’s corporate commitment to volunteerism, members of the company’s employee volunteer team, the Blue Crew, will participate today in the National Conference on Volunteering and Service. The Conference runs July 16 – 18 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and concludes with a keynote luncheon address by former President George H.W. Bush.

Blue Crew members and Independence Blue Cross high school interns, along with Red Cross volunteers, will assemble more than 1,100 Emergency Preparedness Kits for older adults living in the Greater Philadelphia region. The event is one of several community service projects the conference is hosting this week.

Convened by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Points of Light Foundation, the meeting is the largest annual gathering of volunteer leaders in the United States. The Conference highlights best practices in volunteering from around the country in an array of workshops, seminars and community service projects designed specifically for a business audience. More than 3000 leaders, thinkers, and volunteers will set the tone and agenda for community service in America and around the world.

“Our Blue Crew associates are passionate about community service, and show that dedication each year by volunteering more than 7,500 hours to help others in need,” said Joseph A Frick, president and chief executive officer of Independence Blue Cross. “This conference shines a much-needed light on what we can do as a business community to help our neighbors, and we are very pleased to participate and show our corporate support.”

How IBC serves the community
Independence Blue Cross strives to enrich the community through its unique Social Mission, which includes a variety of programs and activities that help make health insurance affordable and assists neighbors in need. In fact, last year IBC invested $77 million to help its community. Some of the programs IBC supports include:

  • The Blue Crew Corporate Volunteer program, which has grown from 900 volunteers to 2,500 since it was formed in 2001.
  • The Caring Foundation, which provides free or low cost insurance to eligible residents.
  • Charitable Medical Care Grant Program, which provides financial support to non-profit privately funded health clinics.
  • Health etools for Schools, funding for a web-based program to help area schools promote student wellness and combat childhood obesity.
  • United Way Campaign, IBC employee donations and corporate match will total $2.2 million in 2007.

About IBC
Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.4 million people. For nearly 70 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals.

About The National Conference on Volunteering and Service
The National Conference on Volunteering and Service is the largest gathering of professional volunteer and service managers. It is co-convened by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Points of Light Foundation. For more information and/or online registration, visit www.VolunteeringandService.org.

 

Important information about links to other sites