Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is Lauded for Community Efforts

They say it's an honor just to be nominated –– but it's even better to win! Illinois Public Affairs recently received two awards. Clarita Santos, director of Community Health Initiatives, was honored with a Breaking Barriers Award on Tuesday, May 8. It was handed out by the Chicago Foundation for Women's Asian American Leadership Council, based on community nominations.

The annual awards recognize Asian and Asian American women leaders in the metropolitan Chicago area who have made an outstanding and lasting impact in the fields of health and wellness.

Santos also accepted the "Go the Distance" award on behalf of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois from Chicago Run. Chicago Run promotes the health and wellness of Chicago children through innovative, engaging and sustainable youth running programs. The organization works with the Chicago Public Schools in underserved communities across Chicago, including Austin, Englewood, Auburn Gresham, Humboldt Park and North and South Lawndale. BCBSIL supports Chicago Run with a grant from our Healthy Kids, Healthy Families initiative.