Making Healthcare Work Better in Alaska

Leona Long

In the United States, people living in rural areas suffer worse health outcomes than those in urban areas. Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska is investing in Alaska communities to increase access to care and support behavioral health services.

Find out more about what Premera is doing in Alaska with this video.

 

 

$1.5 million supported behavioral health in 2018

Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska is doing more than just talking about healthcare. Through our Social Impact Program, we are awarding grants to organizations that support behavioral health solutions, particularly in underserved communities.

Last year, Premera invested over $1.5 million in grants to:

  • Covenant House Alaska: Received $1 million to provide housing and behavioral health services for homeless youth.
  • Rural Alaska Community Action Program: Received $450,000 to fund behavioral health services for Pre-K children and their families in Alaska’s low-income rural communities.
  • Abused Women’s Aid, Anchorage Project Access, My House, and NAMI Alaska: These four nonprofit organizations received $212,000 to expand behavioral health facilities and increase access to healthcare services.

“It is difficult to access services given the weather and transportation issues in Alaska,” said Paul Hollie, who leads the Premera Social Impact program. “Promoting access to necessary care is a priority for these nonprofits, as well as for Premera.”