General

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas: Making a Difference in Hutchinson and Reno County

At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), we believe that a thriving community is built on the foundation of health and wellness. Our commitment to Hutchinson and Reno County goes beyond providing insurance; it encompasses fostering relationships and supporting projects that make these communities better places to live.

“At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, we believe that the health of our communities is paramount,” said Matt All, President and CEO. “Our efforts in Hutchinson and Reno County exemplify our commitment to creating a healthier environment where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. By funding initiatives that promote wellness, we are investing in the future of our communities and making a tangible difference in people’s lives.”

Our Commitment to Reno County

Hutchinson proudly hosts one of our 11 BCBSKS office locations, where our employees actively engage in community life. From coaching little league teams to volunteering with non-profits and supporting local businesses, our presence is felt across Hutchinson’s vibrant community.

Pathways to a Healthy Kansas

Pathways to a Healthy Kansas is the largest community grant initiative ever supported by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. It combines community-wide, evidence-based solutions and practices to help Kansas communities improve active living, healthy eating, behavioral health and commercial tobacco prevention. The initiative provides community coalitions with the tools and resources needed to engage their communities and remove barriers to healthy living.

In partnership with Reno County Community Wellness Coalition (formerly known as Heal Reno County), we’ve been actively involved in implementing sustainable changes aimed at improving healthy lifestyles and quality of life across Reno County. Since 2016, 35 implementation grants have been awarded, driving significant transformations in the community. Below are key accomplishments:

  • The City of Buhler and their local school district have been instrumental in promoting healthy food options and encouraging physical activity. The Mustard Seed, Buhler Market, and local schools have received funds to support these efforts. A walking trail, funded by BCBSKS, serves local residents, particularly those at the Sunshine Retirement Community, encouraging physical activity and improving access to the local market and restaurants.
  • “On The Table” is a documentary about food insecurity in Reno County and it is focused around members of the community: those experiencing food insecurity and those working to prevent food insecurity. Throughout the documentary, you hear from residents in the community who were interviewed periodically over the course one year and were able to share their experiences, insights and struggles with food insecurity.
  • The Food Bank of Reno County received a grant to increase access to healthy options and support a client choice food pantry model, funding refrigeration units and a volunteer coordinator. Reno County Farmer’s Market received a grant to expand SNAP/EBT, new vendor training, and to provide a tobacco-free, family-friendly environment.
  • Reno County Community Wellness Coalition was recently selected for another round of Pathways funding in 2025. They are working on five projects focusing on social entrepreneurship support, healthier higher education, a Community Health Needs Assessment, community planning and Health in All Policies.

Blue in the Community

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) and the BCBSKS Foundation believe it is important to give our time and effort to make our communities better, healthier places to live. Through this work, we have assisted with the following recently in Reno County:

  • Support for uninsured patients of Horizons Mental Health Center and Prairie Star Health Center through the BCBSKS Foundation.
  • Health care student scholarships to Hutchinson Community College through the BCBSKS Foundation.
  • Support from the BCBSKS Foundation for the Rise Up Reno Prevention Network.
  • Support for handwashing stations and Stop the Bleed kits at the Kansas State Fair through the BCBSKS Foundation.

We proudly support various local organizations and events, including the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Memory Walk, Cancer Council of Reno County’s Reno Roundup, Hutchinson YMCA, Hutchinson Chamber Annual Meeting, Hutchinson Chamber Awards Night and more.

At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, our mission is to enrich the lives of our community members through dedicated service, impactful partnerships, and unwavering support for health and wellness initiatives. We are honored to be an integral part of Hutchinson and Reno County, contributing to the betterment and health of our neighbors.