Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) is proud to announce the launch of its new Nebraska Blue Foundation. The foundation will enable the company to make more significant and focused investments in promising programs and community initiatives across the state.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska has a rich history of supporting Nebraskans,” said Jeff Russell, president and CEO of BCBSNE. “The Nebraska Blue Foundation will create a sustainable source of charitable giving, helping us live out our mission of being a champion for the health and well-being of our members and communities we serve for years to come.”

Two inaugural Nebraska Blue Foundation gifts are being given in support of the following:

  • A $75,000 donation for workforce pipeline programming and community health navigation at the Community Wellness Collaborative. This gift will help support the Collaborative’s work in addressing emerging community health needs as well as fund health care scholarships.
  • A $200,000 donation for the completion of the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Building on the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s campus. Recognizing the need for more doctors and other medical professionals in rural parts of the state, this gift is part of the company’s commitment to encourage students interested in health care careers to stay in rural Nebraska.

Jay Warren-Teamer has been named executive director of the Nebraska Blue Foundation in addition to her role as director of diversity and inclusion at BCBSNE.

“I’m amazed at and proud of the impact Blue Cross has on our state’s communities,” said Warren-Teamer. “The Nebraska Blue Foundation is an exciting extension of the work we’re already doing and will allow us to continue supporting and serving communities statewide.”

For 85 years, BCBSNE and its employees have supported the Cornhusker State and the people who live here. From packing hygiene kits for the United Way to hosting free flu shot clinics at YMCAs across the state, the company is proud to support Nebraska’s communities through philanthropic partnerships each year. The 2023 Community Investment and Social Impact Report shows the extent of BCBSNE’s service in the last year.

Visit the Nebraska Blue Foundation website for the latest foundation news.