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Visit from Care Van and Colorectal Cancer Screening Kits to Help Fair Visitors Better Manage Their Health

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL), a trusted advocate for long-term wellness and community health, announced today it will offer preventive wellness resources — with a focus on colorectal cancer education and screening kits — at the 2022 Illinois State Fair.

“As an Illinois institution for 86 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is proud to support the Illinois State Fair and help our members and neighbors to connect, prioritize wellness and have fun doing it,” said Stephen Harris, president of BCBSIL. “We work every day to grow healthy communities by providing quality member service and access to health care even outside of traditional medical settings.”

In addition to these services, BCBSIL will provide family activities, giveaways, wellness resources and trusted information on Medicare and Medicaid. In addition to its booth at the Senior Citizens Center, BCBSIL will sponsor the Health and Wellness Resource Area on Aug. 13-15. Resources available on these days include:

• The BCBSIL Care Van, which provides health and wellness information for all members of the public
  
• Colorectal Cancer education and screening kits from SIU Medicine Simmons Cancer Institute, available in limited quantities for those 45 years of age and older on Senior Day, Aug. 15

These efforts are part of BCBSIL’s Wellness Can’t Wait campaign — an ongoing program that connects communities across Illinois with important wellness and preventive care, including education on the importance of taking a proactive approach to health and access to information about screening and immunizations.

More than 500,000 people are expected to attend the Illinois State Fair and join the festivities, which celebrate the state’s rich agriculture, industry and accomplishments. Blue ribbon-worthy livestock, crops, products, art and crafts from every corner of the Prairie State will be featured on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield and commemorate this year’s theme, Grow With Us. 

The State Fair also caps BCBSIL’s summer of diverse programming in central Illinois. As part of its mission to promote community health and wellness, the health insurance provider has supported numerous summer festivities, including:

• The Old Capitol Farmer’s Market
  
• The YMCA of Springfield Kid’s Triathlon at the Gus & Flora Kerasotes YMCA
• The Juneteenth Scholarship Gala at the Wyndham Hotel of Springfield
• The Ladies Pro-Am Golf Tournament benefiting the Memorial Health Foundation
•  Illinois Girl Scout Day at the Capitol

“There’s nothing like summertime in Illinois, and we’re taking advantage of the warmer weather to promote equitable access to resources and care at popular events and locations,” said Stephanie Peden-Fox, BCBSIL community relations manager. “We’re grateful to all our partners for their outstanding support for our communities all year. We care deeply about our communities, and it’s been a joy to have some fun together this summer while we do our part as a wellness resource and advocate.” 

More information, including upcoming events and activities from BCBSIL, is available at facebook.com/bluecrossblueshieldofillinois.

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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is dedicated to innovation and exploring, nurturing and activating future possibilities to make the health care system work better for our members and our communities. BCBSIL is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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Barton Lorimor
blorimor@morrealecomm.com
217-336-6992