Committed to their mission

Dear Editor:

The Blue Ribbon Foundation of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania is pleased to announce that its 2009 Annual Report is now available on our website at www.bcnepa.com/ceBRFoundation.aspx http://www.bcnepa.com/ceBRFoundation.aspx .

Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania established its private, non-profit Blue Ribbon Foundation in 2002 to invest in health and wellness initiatives throughout northeastern and north central Pennsylvania.

In 2009 alone, our Foundation awarded grants to 42 health and wellness projects that will serve more than 35,100 regional residents. These projects - driven by grassroots organizations and executed with the help of Foundation funding - are producing real results.

Last year, for example, in Carbon County, our partners included:

Carbon County Partners for Progress, whose "Healthy Smiles, Happy Kids" mobile dental van will visit elementary schools throughout the county and provide exams and hygiene education to 200 newly-identified un/underinsured youngsters.

Rural Health Corporation of NEPA, which will purchase additional dental supplies for all its regional clinics and serve an additional 1,000 un/underinsured adults from five counties.

United Way of Carbon County, which will continue to provide much-needed health and human services programs to county residents.

These partners and others recognize the value of preventing rather than treating disease, and are helping to turn the tide on many of today's most pressing - and most costly - health issues.

We remain committed to our mission of helping people live healthier lives, and we're privileged to support the work of so many dedicated organizations.

Sincerely,

Cynthia A. Yevich

Executive Director

The Blue Ribbon Foundation of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania