HomeMy Public PortalAbout2024.04.16 Blue Cross of Idaho Impact Report 2023Blue
Cross of Idaho
Foundation
for Health, Inc.
We listen to partners, communities
and stakeholders to understand the
needs and challenges of Idaho
RECEIVED
APr?152024
FRIENDS & COLLEAGUES
The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health is in Idaho, for
Idaho. We continually evolve our philanthropic strategy based on
the needs of our state. We understand the needs and challenges
in our state because we listen to partners, community leaders and
key stakeholders.
Listening and understanding are two of our key values. Our end goal is to create
transformational change. Before developing our philanthropic giving, we must start with listening
and understanding the issues from the communities we serve.
We are extremely proud of the work we have done and are doing to build a healthier Idaho. This
report highlights the power of listening and how the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health
has listened and responded to what we've heard in our three focus areas of Community,
Education and Healthcare.
Some examples:
• We heard from Idaho mayors that housing and need for civility were two pressing issues
they were facing. We added sessions on these important topics to our Community
Health Academy.
• Several school districts told us they were interested in launching or expanding their
early education programs. We began funding these valuable programs.
• We keep hearing about the shortage of healthcare workers, especially in rural areas.
We convened a large group of stakeholders to begin tackling this complex and
important issue.
This past year, we gave back more than $4.7 million to Idaho communities, schools, nonprofit
organizations and government agencies. You will find the complete list of organizations we
supported in 2023 at the end of this report.
This work is never done alone. We value our community and philanthropic partners who work to
make Idaho a better place for all of us.
Yours in good health,
Mike Reynoldson
President and Board Chair,
Blue Cross of Idaho
Foundation for Health
Kendra Witt -Doyle,
PhD, MPH
Executive Director,
Blue Cross of Idaho
Foundation for Health
MISSION & VALUES
IN IDAHO, FOR IDAHO.
Our Mission:
We are dedicated to giving back to
Idaho and addressing the root causes
that impact health.
Our Values:
Build Partnerships
Continuous Learning
Transformational Change
Opportunities for All
Our Focus Areas:
Engage and collaborate with local elected officials and
organizations to build healthy communities and address root
causes that impact health.
PLANNING & ZONING
CIVILITY
MAYOR
PARKS & RECREATION
HOUSING
0\■
CHILDCARE
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
MAYOR
THE COMMUNITY PROJECT
••
What We Heard
Civil discourse is causing division in communities, making it
difficult for people to work together to solve problems and
accomplish things that benefit the health of the community.
How We Responded
The Community Project
This grant engages community leaders and residents to create
outdoor spaces that unite their community and encourage
civility. The grant gives mayors and city staff tools and technical
assistance to engage with and listen to residents, which is
important in building healthy communities.
The Community Project grant recipients
Chubbuck, Driggs, Glenns Ferry, Payette and Wendell
Watch a video to see how The Community
Project impacted The City of Wendell
COMMUNITY HEALTH
ACADEMY
*
*
**
*
*
ilk
What We Heard
The Community Health Academy fosters learning and skill -
building among mayors and city staff to help improve the health
of their communities. The academy was effective but there were
additional topics communities wanted to learn about that were
impacting health.
How We Responded
We expanded the focus of the academy to include topics such as
housing, civility, childcare and early education that are impacting
health in communities. Seeing the impact that the academy has
had on attendees, we set a goal to have one-third of Idaho
mayors attend this learning collaborative by the end of 2025.
Community Health Academy Focus Areas
Childcare and Early Education
Civility
Community Health
Designing Healthy Communities
Food Systems
Housing
Leadership
Storytelling and Branding
37 Idaho Cities have attended
Community Health Academy since 2017
Anonymous Feedback from 2023 Participants
The Community Health Academy has been so
helpful! Thank you for raising awareness of we need/
can do to make our communities even better. The
speakers were amazing and provided important
information.
The academy gave us tools in many areas to take
back to our community. It really helped to talk with
other cities about what challenges they face and what
they did or doing to solve.
MAYOR'S WALKING
•• CHALLENGE
What We Heard
The Mayor's Walking Challenge has allowed us to meet and
build relationships with Idaho mayors for 10 years. The
challenge has grown each year and more than half of Idaho's
mayors walked in 2023. It's helped us learn about getting
active in all parts of Idaho.
How We Responded
We've built in ways to listen to mayors during the challenge to
learn about issues communities are facing. We take this
feedback to help inform and adapt our strategy to meet the
needs of our state.
I am proud to have been able to help my local school, while bettering my health and enjoying all the beautiful
weather that the Pacific Northwest had to offer. To be able to get out and walk, especially with kids is such a
forgotten pastime. I enjoyed October so much; I will let my Clerk sign me up next year.
Lonnie Orr
Oldtown Mayor
**
Year
Participants
Amount Awarded
2014
14
$7,300
2015
27
$46,500
2016 25
$50,750
2017 34
$59,000
2018 69
$62,000
2019 75
$68,000
2020 81 $76,000
2021 83 $65,500
2022 98 $84,000
2023
104 $86,500
104 Mayors participated in the
2023 Mayor's Walking Challenge
Mayor's Walking
Challenge
EDUCATION
Engage and collaborate with schools and community
organizations to ensure Idaho youth thrive.
-_-T
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
1 �
What We Heard
Schools are the hearts of our communities, especially
in rural areas. Schools are looking for ways to help
children and families thrive. Data shows that
academic performance and health outcomes are
linked.
How We Responded
We engaged the Idaho Coalition for Community
Schools and supported its statewide expansion.
Community Schools is a strategy used by public
schools to help children and their families thrive.
Community schools listen to families to understand
their needs, then create community partnerships to
integrate and embed programs and services in
schools to meet those needs.
We've helped 17
schools start or
expand Community
School Strategy.
„IR
Why Community Schools?
The best way to address root causes that impact
health in schools
The ultimate form of community engagement
Community determines what services are integrated
into the school
The goal of a community school is to figure out what
needs the community has and what desires they
have, and our job as a community school is to
actively seek for those community partnerships and
bring in those services and resources to be able to
help kids.
Don Fryberger, Principal
Harwood Elementary School, Rigby
I think our communities as a whole need to work
together to make sure that when children show up,
they have that ability to get focused in the
classroom. Sometimes it takes the resources of an
entire community to make this happen. The
Community Schools strategy is really the mechanism
that we can use to get that done.
Josh Hurley, Community Schools Coordinator
Cascade School District
el'
MILLION
We helped the Idaho Coalition for Community Schools secure a
$46.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand
Community Schools Strategy to rural Idaho. This local -driven strategy
connects students to the supports they need, expanding choices of
resources and opportunities available to families.
Watch a video to learn more
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
What We Heard
We had a dialogue with the City of Lapwai in 2013 and city leaders expressed concerns about youth
behavioral health. Since then, the topic has been raised in nearly every meeting or conversation we have
been involved with throughout the state. Every meeting with educators and administrators reinforces that
behavioral health is a top issue facing Idaho.
How We Responded
We've expanded our work in behavioral health. We partner with schools to provide behavioral health
programs, training and services to create environments that improve student well-being.
We know education and health are closely linked. The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health launched a project
focusing on Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) in schools, knowing the vital role that schools play in
building healthier communities in Idaho. I am honored to be a part of this work.
Katie Azevedo, EdD
Owner, Azevedo Consulting and Results Learning Center
The PBIS training has been pivotal in helping us move the mark in clear behavior expectations along with celebrating
students and staff here at Notus Jr. Sr. High School. We needed the reminder of PBIS best practices to help us see a
remarkable change in our school culture that ultimately helps support students as a whole.
Jennifer Wright, EdS
Principal & Federal Programs Director, Notus Jr. Sr. High School
A New Focus
We have developed a more comprehensive
behavioral health strategy and approach to support
schools that includes prevention, training and
intervention programs.
1
Idaho schools
& school districts
supported with behavioral health training,
prevention and intervention programs
EARLY EDUCATION
What We Heard
Reports show that 51% of Idaho students aren't
kindergarten -ready when they start school. School districts
are seeing lower test scores, and they cite the lack of early
education opportunities as the root cause of the issue.
The lack of early education programs is making it difficult
to hire and retain staff, creating workforce issues in
communities.
How We Responded
We began funding early education programs because
education and health outcomes are linked. These programs
help prepare students for kindergarten. We've helped three
Idaho school districts either launch or expand early
education programs with catalytic, one-time funding. Many
other school districts have expressed interest in learning
about launching or expanding their early education
programs. We created a learning series for districts to
inform and recommend best practices and will be offering
grants to support their efforts.
The benefits are that our children come into kindergarten
ready to go. They know the routine. They know how to go
to lunch. They know where to line up. They know where
their classroom is. They have social skills. They come in
knowing their colors and knowing their numbers 1 to 10.
They are familiar with finding their name, reading their
name and writing their names. They hold their pencils
correctly.
Marietta Leitch, Kindergarten Teacher
Nezperce Elementary
We have had so many people tell us how grateful and are
excited about this. I think parents are comfortable
knowing their child is coming somewhere that is safe and
to a place with a great academic background and doing
something that's learning based.
Rachel Puschel
Third Grade Teacher & Preschool Project Manager
Castleford School District
I
RAINBOW
Early Education Programs
Supported
Castleford School District
Homedale School District
Lincoln County Youth Center
Nezperce School District
IDAHO SCHOOLS AND DISTRICTS
attended our early education learning
series in winter 2023
2
)t
O v
HEALTHCARE
We identify opportunities to increase the quantity and
quality of Idaho's healthcare workforce.
qi 0
HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE
ADVISORY GROUP
What We Heard
Idaho has a severe healthcare workforce shortage, which is a complex issue that impacts our entire state.
The shortage threatens the quality and access of healthcare available in Idaho.
How We Responded
Collaboration is essential to finding solutions for the healthcare worker crisis. Knowing this issue was
complicated, we offered to serve as a convener and bring together more than 30 healthcare stakeholder
organizations. The purpose of these convenings was for everyone involved to listen, learn, and develop an
action plan to tackle the healthcare workforce shortage problem.
This group divided into subcommittees to create action plans in the
following areas that would could help address the shortage:
Public Policy
NIF
Education & Training
Attract & Retain
Idaho Department of Health
and Welfare
Idaho Hospital Association
Idaho Department of Labor
Idaho Medical Association
Blue Cross of Idaho
Idaho State Pharmacy
Association
Retail Pharmacy Council
Idaho Division of Occupational
and Professional Licensing
ORGANIZATIONS
Office of Governor Brad Little
Idaho Medical Association
Idaho State Board of Education
College of Eastern Idaho
North Idaho College
College of Southern Idaho
University of Idaho WWAMI
North Idaho College
Idaho State University
Idaho Business for Education
Boise State University
Idaho Health Care Association
Public Health Districts
Nurse Practitioners of Idaho
Primary Health
Idaho Community Health
Center Association
St. Luke's Health Care System
Kootenai Health
Cascadia Home Health
Edgewood Health Care
Delta Dental
Idaho Caregivers Alliance
Independent Doctors of Idaho
Idaho Division of Veterans
Services
Idaho Center for Nursing
Minidoka Memorial
Idaho Workforce Development
Council
Idaho's rapid growth as the nation's fastest -growing state is met with severe healthcare challenges, ranking
50th for physicians per capita and facing shortages in all healthcare sectors, particularly impacting its 35%
rural population. Despite economic growth, the solution demands a historic healthcare investment,
necessitating collaboration from businesses, government, academia, philanthropy, and foundations. The Blue
Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health's pivotal role in forming the Idaho Healthcare Workforce Shortage
Committee, uniting key stakeholders, is a crucial step towards changing the state's healthcare landscape and
securing a better future.
Jeff Seegmiller, Regional Dean/Director
Idaho WWAMI Medical Education Center
ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED
Idaho Cities
Albion Downey Jerome Nezperce
American Falls Driggs Juliaetta Oldtown
Ammon East Hope Kamiah Onaway
Arimo Franklin Kendrick Orofino
Bancroft Fruitland Ketchum Osburn
Bellevue Emmett Lapwai Parma
Blackfoot Fairfield Leadore Paul
Bovill Ferdinand Lewiston Payette
Buhl Firth Lewisville Peck
Caldwell Garden City Malad Pierce
Carey Genessee McCall Placerville
Cascade Glenns Ferry McCammon Plummer
Chubbuck Gooding Meridian Pocatello
Clark Fork Grace Montpelier Ponderay
Cottonwood Hayden Lake Moscow Post Falls
Crouch Hazelton Mountain Home Preston
Culdesac Heyburn Moyie Springs Rexburg
Dalton Gardens Hollister Murtaugh Richfield
Dayton Homedale Nampa Rigby
Deary Idaho City Newdale Riggins
Dover Idaho Falls New Meadows Roberts
Idaho Nonprofit Organizations
American National Red Cross 8( Its
Constituent Chapters
Bannock Youth Foundation
Blackfoot Charter Community
Learning Center
Boise Public Schools Education
Foundation
Bonner General Health
Bonner Partners In Care
Coeur d'Alene Rotary Endowment
Foundation
Clearwater Valley General Health
Genesis Community Health
Giraffe Laugh Early Learning
Greater Boise Aquatics Foundation
Idaho Association for the
Education of Young Children
Idaho Association of School
Administrators
Idaho Botanical Garden Inc.
Idaho Community Foundation Inc.
Idaho Falls Rescue Mission
Idaho Head Start Association
Idaho Hispanic Foundation Inc.
Idaho Medical Association
Foundation Inc.
Idaho Nonprofit Center
Idaho School Board Association
Interlink Volunteer Caregivers
Jannus Inc.
League of Idaho Cities Inc.
LEAP Charities Inc.
Magic Valley Ducks
Mustard Seed Ministries
National Law Enforcement
Foundation
Nimiipuu Community
Development Fund
North Canyon Medical Center
Shelley
Smelterville
Spirit Lake
St. Anthony
St. Charles
Stanley
Stites
Tensed
Tetonia
Twin Falls
Victor
Weiser
Wendell
Weston
Winchester
Pocatello Free Clinic
Primary Care Initiative
Sandpoint Area Seniors
Serving Love Foundation
Southwest Idaho Mountain Biking
Association Inc.
Terry Reilly Health Services
The Home Partnership Foundation
Unique Center for Athletes of All
Needs
United Way of Treasure Valley
Vineyard Medical Clinic
Volunteers Against Violence
Wellness Tree Community Clinic
West End Senior Citizens of Buhl
Western Idaho Community Action
Partnership
Schools and School Districts
Aberdeen School District #58
American Falls School
District #381
Bryan Elementary
Burton Elementary (Madison
School District 321)
Canyon Ridge High
Cascade School District
Central Canyon Elementary
Chaparral Elementary
Chief Tahgee Elementary
Academy Inc.
Clark County School District 161
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy
Coeur d'Alene High
Cottonwood School District #242
Council Elementary
Blackfoot School District #55
County of Franklin West Side
School District #202
Elevate Academy (Idaho Falls)
Farmin-Stidwell Elementary
Firth School District #59
Garfield Elementary
Georgetown Elementary
Glenns Ferry High
Hawthorne Elementary
Highland Joint School
District #305
Colleges and Universities
Boise State University
Foundation Inc.
Idaho State University
Foundation Inc.
Idaho Stem Action Center
Foundation
Lewis -Clark State College
Foundation Inc.
The College of Idaho
University of Idaho Foundation
Hunter Elementary
Idaho Falls School District #91
Idaho Youth Challenge Academy
Jefferson Elementary
Jerome School District
(Falls City Academy)
Joplin Elementary
Kimberly School District #414
Kootenai Classical Academy
Kuna School District (Kuna Pre -K)
Lakeland School District
Lava Elementary
Liberty Charter
Longfellow Elementary
Madison Early Childhood Center
Madison School District
Marsh Valley Joint School
District #21
Mary McPherson Elementary
Meridian Elementary
Meridian Medical Arts
Charter High
Middleton Academy
Monroe Elementary
Mountain View Middle
Nampa Christian Schools, Inc.
Nezperce School District
North Gem School District #149
Government Organizations
Cascade Public Library
Challis Public Library
Idaho Workforce
Development Council
Gooding Public Library District
Homedale Library District
Public Health District 4
State of Idaho,
Department of Education
Notus School District #135
Oakley High
Park Intermediate
Parma School District #137
Pierce Park Elementary
Plummer -Worley School District
Pocatello/Chubbuck School
District 25
Preston High
Rockland School District
Ronald Reagan Elementary
(Nampa SD 131)
Sacajawea Elementary
Salmon School District #291
Shoshone Elementary
Silver Trail Elementary
Skyline High
Snake River School District
Spalding Stem Academy
Sugar -Salem School District #322
Taylorview Middle, District 91
Treasure Valley Academy
Twin Falls School District #411
Valley School District 262
West Ada School District
Westside District 202
Westside Elementary, District 91
Whittier Elementary
The Idaho Commission
for Libraries
Valley of the Tetons Library
ABOUT THE BLUE CROSS OF IDAHO FOUNDATION FOR HEALTH
The Blue Cross of Idaho
Foundation for Health, Inc., is a
nonprofit private foundation
established by Blue Cross of
Idaho in 2001.
The Foundation is dedicated to
giving back to Idaho and
addressing the root causes that
impact health.
The Foundation is a catalytic
organization dedicated to
transformational approaches that
will impact Idaho today and for
future generations.
Audited financial statements of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health, Inc., are available,
once issued, by emailing info@bcidahofoundation.org.
Elva (Cookie) Allan
Coeur d'Alene
Marybeth Flachbart
Boise
Luke Malek
Coeur d'Alene
Mike Reynoldson
President and Board Chair
Boise
Our Board of Directors
Jenny Robertson
Vice Chair
Boise
Dr. Melissa Kizilos
Bos
Stephanie Wright
Nampa
Our Team
Kendra Witt -Doyle
Executive Director
Courtney Frost
Senior Program Officer
Nick Jezierny
Communications Specialist
Jackie Yarbrough
Senior Program Officer
Katie Hammon
Executive Assistant
RIK
bcidahofoundation.org
350 N. 9th Street
Suite 301-A
Boise, ID 83702
Blue
Cross of Idaho
Foundation
for Health, Inc.