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 Lawrence and Douglas County goes beyond providing insurance; it encompasses fostering relationships and supporting projects that make these communities better places to live.
“We are deeply committed to the well-being of our community,” said Matt All, BCBSKS President/CEO. “Our efforts in Lawrence and Douglas County reflect our dedication to fostering a healthier environment where local businesses and residents can thrive. By investing in innovative health initiatives and community programs, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.”
Our Commitment to Douglas County
Lawrence is home to one of the larger BCBSKS office locations, located at Seventh and New Hampshire, home to Lawrence’s first permanent postal structure. This staple of the community has been serving local businesses since 1906. And now, we continue the tradition of serving local businesses and residents of Douglas County. Our employees are actively involved in their community, coaching little league teams, volunteering with non-profits and supporting local businesses.
Blue Health Initiatives
Blue Health Initiatives works to invest in communities to create sustainable, healthy places where Kansans live, work and play in ways that improve the quality of their lives. Initiatives aim to support communities in developing long-lasting solutions for our state’s health challenges. Here are some of the impactful programs and grants we’ve supported in Douglas County:
- Panda Pediatrics lobby art: Partnered with local artists to reimagine the waiting room using trauma-informed care principles and incorporating local history and pride. The project successfully aimed at alleviating healthcare anxiety among patients.
- Networked for Change Community Solutions Grant (sponsored by BCBSKS) – This project supported the MixMaster Music Conference, a platform uniting local artists and music industry professionals to create entrepreneurship opportunities in the arts. The primary goal of the project is to connect music industry professionals with development and training in areas such as business, copyright issues, financial management, and other resources necessary to build a thriving career in the creative economy. The Lead Applicant on the project is Creative Impact Alliance DBA Lawrence Music Alliance.
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. Key activities include:
- Live Well Douglas County health coalition received a coordination grant to enable them to partner with BCBSKS and community stakeholders in the goal of implementing sustainable changes that will improve the health of the community for years to come. The coalition was awarded the first grant in 2020 and was selected for a second round of funding in 2025. Current project focus is on Healthier Food Retail, Substance Use Prevention in Schools, Health Related Social Needs, Multimodal Transportation and Recreation and an Incubator Kitchen and Food Hub.
- The Lawrence Art Center, the La Yarda families and the City of Lawrence partnered to commission and art installation to memorialize the contributions of La Yarda families in Lawrence.
- Healthier childcare center grants went to Positive Brights Starts to support breastfeeding parents and Community Children’s Center to purchase equipment needed to implement the updated screen time policy.
- Triple Up Food Bucks grant to K-State Research and Extension.
- USD 348 received a grant to purchase bikes, helmets, a storage trailer, and other materials needed to implement the Be Active Safe Routes Biking Curriculum to ensure students learn bike safety and to encourage active transportation to school.
- Move More Douglas County Physical Activity Prescription program – partnership between Live Well Douglas County, Douglas County Park and Recreation, Heartland Health and the Lawrence Douglas County Health Dept. Funds are used to provide people with a qualifying diagnosis, free fitness classes.
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 Douglas County:
- Support for uninsured patients of Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center and Heartland Community Health Center through the BCBSKS Foundation.
- Support from the BCBSKS Foundation for Sunrise Free Farmers Market through the Lawrence Community Food Alliance.
- Support from the BCBSKS Foundation for home repairs through the Lawrence Habitat for Humanity.
- Corporate support for the EDC Lawrence Chamber, Family Promise, Cottonwood Foundation, Heartland Community Health Center, Jana’s Campaign – Heartland Campus Safety Summit, LMH Foundation, O’Connell Children’s Shelter, Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s and KU Athletics and employee-sponsored hygiene drive for domestic violence victims.
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 Lawrence and Douglas County, contributing to the betterment and health of our neighbors.