By supporting innovative, sustainable initiatives, and recognizing the need to also support capacity, we invest in our communities to better the overall health of North Carolina.
Cheryl Parquet
Director of Community Relations Department
Supporting community engagement through strategic investment
Our multi-year community investment strategy aims to fight local hunger, invest in our communities, and improve equitable health access. By supporting community-led initiatives, offering Healthy Blue℠ Medicaid, and building our workforce diversity, we're working to build a healthier North Carolina.
We're also identifying ways to broaden our positive impacts across the state. Find out how our corporate citizenship efforts are helping us deepen our local connections, extend our community support, and give back to our neighbors.
Listening to our communities
We’re on a listening tour across North Carolina, talking to local leaders who are collaborating on solutions to our toughest common challenges.
We call it The Extra Miles Tour – an opportunity for Blue Cross NC leaders to visit hospitals, colleges and other institutions, meet with local leaders and learn how Blue Cross NC can better work to meet each community’s needs.
Fighting local hunger
Far too many North Carolinians – especially children and older adults – don't get enough to eat. We help ensure that North Carolinians can access nutritious food by adapting to changing circumstances and leading efforts to support our neighbors in need:
- Investing in food banks
- Delivering meals
- Offering nutrition education
- Supporting local farm-to-table initiatives
- Providing crisis relief
- Focusing our resources on the hardest-hit areas of the state
Our food security efforts are designed to meet people’s needs in the moment and to develop solutions for a sustainable future.
Healthy Blue – transforming Medicaid in North Carolina
We offer Healthy Blue℠ to improve the health and well-being of our Medicaid members. With our focus on primary care, preventive health and care management, this plan increases medical access and quality of care for those who need it most.
To reach our goals, we’re partnering with supporting programs:
- Healthy Opportunities Pilots from NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS): This program studies the impact of non-medical interventions related to housing, food, transportation, interpersonal safety and toxic stress.
- NCCARE360 from NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS): This coordinated care network connects members in need with community resources.
- Families Moving Forward: This Durham-based organization supports families experiencing homelessness by providing resources to help them find a place to live.
Diversity in our future workforce
To help more North Carolinians get the coverage they need, we’re building an insurance sales force that’s as diverse as those we serve. We’re partnering to support internships and fund scholarships for diverse candidates:
Durham Technical Community College
We launched a five-year insurance career pathway partnership with scholarship opportunities for students enrolling in insurance licensing programs. Students receive pre-licensing education, networking opportunities and resources to help them get started.
Central Piedmont Community College
We are providing scholarships and additional resources and guidance for workplace success, including small-business counseling and interview preparation, for 26 students per year for five years. Through this program, we hope to increase diversity in the insurance industry.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
We participate in the North Carolina Governor’s HBCU Internship Program to give students immersive professional experience that will increase their competitiveness in the job market. Our African American and Black Employee Network (AABEN) even partners with our HBCU student interns for a mentorship program.
Contact our team
If you have questions about our team, our efforts, or opportunities to get involved, reach out to us today.
Get more community insights
See the Point of Blue blog for our latest investments in the communities we serve.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its health programs and activities. Learn more about our non-discrimination policy and no-cost services available to you.
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