Our employees are the face and the heart of our organization.
They represent the best of what Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is about and our purpose in action. We’re committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities. We provide multiple opportunities throughout the year to engage our employees in meaningful acts of service and encourage them to create important connections with local community partner organizations. In 2019, more than 4,800 employees volunteered nearly 89,000 hours in our Blue CorpsSM program.
Through working with more than 100 nonprofit community partners each year, we support food sources, increase physical activity, manage or help stop diseases and promote safe environments.
BCBSIL partnered with Feeding America to support 4 food banks in 2019 to eliminate food insecurities and remove barriers to adequate nutrition. Feeding America reported more than 309,000 meals being distributed across the state, including over 79,000 incremental pounds of produce, dairy and protein.
The Your Choice Your Impact campaign is meant to increase awareness for supporting the organizations BCBSIL partners with to make an impact in the lives of others in the communities where we live, work and play. Employees can support our partners through payroll deduction, service opportunities and info sessions throughout the week.
Meeting our community members where they live is customary to us. Our community outreach team takes part in hundreds of community events throughout the state. Whether it’s celebrating community parades, handing out health literacy at local festivals or our Care Van® giving immunizations, we’re always available to our members.
Our volunteers are also passionate about creating safe play spaces for children. In 2017, there were two playground spruce-ups with our partners at the Blue Island Park District and Marion Park District. Volunteers donated nearly 60 hours to help with these projects.
The BCBSIL ambassador, Blue Bear, often makes appearances at these and many other events.
BCBSIL also encourages and supports staff members serving on the boards of 501(c)(3) organizations and offers matching dollars to organizations where employees log volunteer hours.
If you have questions about our volunteer program, please email Falon Lawson, community affairs coordinator.