CHICAGO – To help ease the ongoing needs of Illinoisans created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) has awarded Public Narrative a $20,000 grant as part of BCBSIL’s latest round of giving aimed at helping the helpers.
“We’re grateful Blue Cross and Blue Shield of IL saw our vision for increasing COVID-19 Health Literacy and Vaccine Outreach in Chicago through Journalism and Storytelling in Community Media,” said Jhmira Alexander, Public Narrative President and Executive Director. “This investment will further establish our public health program pillar.”
BCBSIL selected 175 organizations across Illinois with missions focused on access to care, hunger, shelter and behavioral health care, and COVID-19 health education and vaccine access to receive $20,000 grants as part of its COVID-19 Community Collaboration Fund.
“A year into the pandemic and the health, economic and social impacts around Illinois are still great,” said Harmony Harrington, vice-president government and community relations for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. “We’re proud to be able to help so many organizations increase their capacity to help more people receive the help they need.”
See the full list of grantees.
##
About Public Narrative
Founded in 1989 as the Community Media Workshop, Public Narrative has been elevating community voices in journalism for over 30 years. Building on that legacy, over the past year the organization has pivoted to focus on changing narratives around public health, public safety, and public education.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is committed to expanding access to quality, cost-effective health care to as many people as possible in 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.