Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) is contributing $100,000 as part of its COVID-19 Community Collaborative Grant Fund to address the immediate needs of New Mexicans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 Community Collaborative Grant Fund is releasing 10 rapid-response grants of $10,000 each to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on access to health care, behavioral health, housing and shelter, child and senior care, and COVID-19 health literacy and vaccine outreach.
“BCBSNM is dedicated to standing by our fellow New Mexicans, and we are proud to offer our continued support in the fight against COVID-19,” said Janice Torrez, BCBSNM president. “We are confident that the COVID-19 Community Collaborative Grant Fund will make an impact on the health and social challenges facing our state by providing vital services and access to care for young children, seniors and families during these critical times.”
The following New Mexico community initiatives and organizations will receive support through this fund:
Statewide
- American Cancer Society – $10,000 to provide no-cost transportation to and from treatment-related appointments for cancer patients with unmet transportation needs through the New Mexico Paid Transportation Program.
- PeopleWorks-NM – $10,000 to continue caregiver support groups, initiate a grief support group, and hold classes on mental health and substance abuse topics at no cost for community members and rural populations struggling with mental illness, substance abuse and caregiving stress.
Northern New Mexico
- Mesa to Mesa – $10,000 to provide minor home repairs at no cost to help low-income homeowners remain in their homes safely and securely through the Home Repair from the Heart program.
- Somos Familia – Family Institute, Inc. – $10,000 to meet increased needs for mental and behavioral health services due to the pandemic by offering individual counseling services and therapeutic group sessions, including parenting classes, domestic violence therapy, substance and alcohol abuse therapy and other services.
Southern New Mexico
- Artesia Meals on Wheels – $10,000 to deliver one hot meal every weekday to seniors and those who are unable to prepare their own food.
- Jardin de los Niños – $10,000 to supply basic needs items and monetary support for families experiencing homelessness, near homelessness and/or job loss through the Jardin de los Niños COVID-19 Homeless Prevention Program.
- Valencia Shelter Services – $10,000 to provide emergency shelter, basic needs assistance and crisis intervention for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse, addressing need as a result of the pandemic.
Central New Mexico
- Casa de Salud (Justice, Access, Support and Solutions for Health) – $10,000 to provide COVID-19 vaccines, nursing support, education and outreach in Albuquerque’s South Valley.
- Children’s Grief Center of New Mexico – $10,000 to offer immediate, trauma-informed grief support at no cost for New Mexicans of all ages who are grieving the death of a loved one due to COVID-19, suicide and other causes.
- Rio Grande Community Development Corporation – $10,000 to provide virtual and in-person informational forums for the Spanish-speaking community about COVID-19 and vaccine options.
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is one of the largest commercial health insurers in New Mexico with 680,000 New Mexicans carrying a Blue Cross and Blue Shield card. Since 1940, BCBSNM has been committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSNM is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.