BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc.
10/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/04/2024 06:44
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation Expands Support for Hurricane Helene Relief
$150,000 in donations will aid Red Cross and Ballad Health efforts
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation has donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross and an additional $100,000 to the Ballad Health Foundation's disaster relief fund to support recovery efforts in areas of the Southeast affected by Hurricane Helene, including northeast Tennessee and western North Carolina.
On Sept. 26, the storm made landfall as a category 4 hurricane in northwest Florida, then began making its way across the South. Torrential rains caused rivers to overflow and dams to fail, resulting in flash flooding that devastated the towns of Newport and Erwin in Tennessee and the city of Asheville in North Carolina. Portions of Interstate 40 were completely washed away, and many towns in the Appalachians have been cut off due to flooded roadways.
"The effects of Hurricane Helene on our region are deeply saddening," said Dalya Qualls White, executive director of the BlueCross Foundation. "Our thoughts are with our neighbors - including those right here in Tennessee - who have lost so much, including loved ones. We hope our contributions aid them as they begin the long process of recovery."
To date, dozens of people have lost their lives and millions remain without power and communications infrastructure throughout the region.
To further support impacted members, BlueCross has expanded refill limits on prescriptions for those living in affected areas and continues to provide virtual care services through Teladoc® Health.
About BlueCross®
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is a taxpaying, not-for-profit health plan serving more than 3.4 million members in Tennessee and around the country. The Chattanooga-based company was founded in 1945 and has brought peace of mind to its members and local communities for more than 75 years. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company's news center at bcbstnews.com.
About BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized to promote the philanthropic mission of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. It has awarded $120 million in grants since 2005. The foundation provides funding for the BlueCross Healthy Place program, which creates active, healthy spaces across Tennessee.