ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico Ramp Project announced that it recently received a $50,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico’s Blue ImpactSM initiative. The grant will support NMRP’s state-wide ramp building project, which frees disabled individuals from the isolation of not being able to get out of or into their homes.
“Depression, frustration, loneliness, hunger and even suicide can result from the inability to leave the home,” said Greg Hallstrom, executive director of NMRP. “There are more than 288,900 people in the state of New Mexico that have serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs and more than 25% of our population are negatively affected by not having a ramp.”
With the help of BCBSNM, NMRP will continue building and implementing ramps for low-income people facing accessibility challenges.
BCBSNM’s Blue Impact grant initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to invest in and collaborate with community organizations that offer sustainable, measurable programs that address the social and economic factors impacting health and wellness in our state. NMRP’s commitment to helping people access their homes safely aligns with the vision of Blue Impact to improve health outcomes in communities across New Mexico.
“We’re especially proud to support programs that address housing issues in the communities we serve,” said Janice Torrez, BCBSNM president. “A family’s health can depend on the quality of their living conditions. NMRP’s program is helping to make a direct impact on the lives of New Mexicans by reducing the negative effects that accessibility issues can have on families’ well-being.”
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is the largest commercial health insurer in New Mexico with approximately 700,000 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.
