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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.